The first anniversary of the war in Ukraine will be marked with a vigil in Welwyn Garden City town centre.

Since the start of the war, the community in Welwyn Hatfield has had the opportunity to come together and show unity with Ukraine and its citizens.

The vigil for Ukraine will start at 5pm at the Ebenezer Howard statue. There will be speeches and candles will be lit in memory of the victims of the war.

The second part of the event, hosted by the United Reformed Church in the town centre, will include a bake sale and refreshments, as well as a photo exhibition entitled 'Where the peace ended'.

Daria Diak, a Ukrainian national who lives in Welwyn Garden City and who is helping to organise the event, said: "No one has the right to start wars and kill civilians. People die in Ukraine every day.

"While you are drinking your coffee in the UK, the army of a terrorist state is killing civilians in Ukraine. While you are meeting up with your friends or planning a weekend, children are dying in Ukraine.

"When you think you had a bad day, Ukrainian children are losing their parents in this war and mothers are mourning their sons and daughters. Is it possible to stay silent about it?

"War is not as far away as you think. February 24 is a dark date for every Ukrainian.

"We must remind the world that the war still continues, it hasn’t ended, and that every day of it costs people’s lives."

Cllr Michal Siewniak added: "Although this is a very sad and tragic occasion, I am pleased that we will have an opportunity to come together as one community.

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"I often feel that we are now “used to the war' and it almost became a 'norm', part of our daily lives, however we need to remember that the conflict has not ended and it still cost so many innocent lives.

"I am also very pleased that such a big number of groups, charities, local agencies and extraordinary individuals continue to support victims of this senseless war.

"Finally, I would like to say a massive thank you to the United Reformed Church for hosting the event and we also extend our gratitude to County Cllr Paul Zukowskyj for his help to fund this important initiative.

"If you can, please join our Friday get together for Ukraine."