UKRAINIAN families and residents joined with civic leaders at Blackburn Town Hall for a service to commemorate the first anniversary of the Russian invasion.

The Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen Cllr Suleman Khonat, Blackburn MP Kate Hollern, council leader Phil Riley and chief executive Denise Park gathered with the Dean of Blackburn Cathedral The Very Reverend Peter Howell-Jones and more than 30 guests for one minute’s silence.

Ukrainian refugee Olena Lysenko read a prayer

Cllr Riley, said: "It’s hard to believe that a year has passed since the invasion. We still can’t control what’s happening though we can reflect on the solidarity and the kindness that residents in the borough have brought to those families who are staying with us. We can also recognise and praise the impressive community response of people fighting."

Mrs Hollern, said: "We haven’t had evacuees in Blackburn since World War Two – but today we host those who have fled from war. I pay tribute to the kindness of our residents, and join with our Ukrainian guests in condemning war and invasion."

Ms Lysenko, who works for the council to break down language barriers, said: "It has been a very difficult time and we will never forget that day when the war started one year ago.

"I just want to say thank you to the kind and generous people who have supported us and been standing with Ukraine."