War in Ukraine: West Berkshire marks the second anniversary of the start of the war in Ukraine with a service at Shaw House

The second anniversary of the start of the war in Ukraine has been marked with a service of commemoration in Newbury.

Ukrainian guests and their hosts joined councillors for the ceremony at Shaw House last week, ahead of the two year anniversary on Saturday.

Since the start of the invasion, 700 Ukrainians have made West Berkshire their home, supported by hundreds of willing hosts.

Ukrainian Iryna spoke at the recent event. There were also speeches by Jeremy Cottam, chairman of West Berkshire and Nigel Foot, mayor of Newbury, while Denise Gaines, executive member for highways, housing and sustainable travel, read a poem by John Learoyd called 'Shattered Love'.

The ceremony ended with a minute silence, followed by the singing of the Ukrainian national anthem.

Last year, to mark the first anniversary of the start of the war, Guelder rose trees – a national symbol of Ukraine – were planted in the grounds of Shaw House.

This year, guests were invited to tie blue and yellow ribbons to the trees.

“Nobody knows what the future holds, but together, we continue to stand with Ukraine,” the council said in a Facebook post.