Over a hundred people gathered in Worcester City Centre tonight as a candelit vigil was held for Ukraine.

Council leaders came together for a minute's silence at the Guildhall before the Ukrainian national anthem was performed on the bagpipes.

The proceedings then moved to Cathedral Square where Worcester residents were encouraged to congregate and bring their own candles to pay respect to those involved in the conflict.

Another verse of the anthem was performed before the crowd observed a minutes silence.

Meanwhile, a Ukrainian flag flew valiantly above the square, side-by-side the Knife Angel, the National Monument Against Violence and Aggression.

Prior to the vigil, the Council’s four political group leaders, Conservative Cllr Marc Bayliss, Labour’s Cllr Adrian Gregson, Green Cllr Louis Stephen, and Liberal Democrat Cllr Mel Allcott, released a joint statement.

It read: “There can be no one in Worcester who is unmoved by the plight of Ukraine at this terrible time.

"Our city and county are home to a strong and proud Eastern European population and we know that they will stand with us when we say that our hearts go out to the people of Ukraine.

“Many refugees from this conflict will make their way to the UK under the government’s programme, and we look forward to welcoming some of them to Worcester.”

The Guildhall continues to be lit in blue and yellow every evening as a further act of solidarity.

Read More: Worcester Guildhall lights up for Ukraine

The University of Worcester is also flying the flag of Ukraine, at both the St John’s Campus and at the Art House.