VIGILS will be held in Northwich and Winsford this week to show support of Ukraine.

The vigils will be held at Barons Square in Northwich and Winsford's town centre war memorials on Friday, March 4 at 5.30pm.

Both town councils wanted to provide a way for their communities to come together and show unity for the people of Ukraine.

Northwich town mayor, Cllr Sam Naylor, said: "We’ve all been moved by the bravery of the Ukrainian people in the face of an unprovoked and inexcusable invasion. 

"We must do all we can to support them, and this event is an opportunity for people to come together to show our support for democracy and our opposition to Putin’s brutal regime."

The Northwich event will see speeches from Weaver Vale MP Mike Amesbury and faith leaders from the town's Anglican, Catholic and Muslim communities.

Mr Amesbury said: "This is an event for the people of Northwich to come together to show solidarity with the citizens of Ukraine in their hour of need.

"It’s also an opportunity to express our utter condemnation of Putin’s aggressive incursion into Ukraine.

"And it’s a symbol of our support for the many brave Russians holding protests despite the risks to their own personal safety.

"We – and everyone around the world working for peace – call upon Putin to end his war immediately and withdraw."

Northwich Guardian:

Winsford town mayor Cllr Nathan Pardoe said: "Winsford stands with the Ukrainian people.

"The vigil will take place at the town centre war memorials to show solidarity with all who are affected by war.

"We must oppose war and support refugees."

The vigils will be held in parallel with events in Chester and Ellesmere Port, where a minute’s silence will be held at 5.45pm to show the whole of Cheshire West coming together in support of Ukraine and against the Russian invasion.