A growing army of people are setting up collection points to send help to the people of Ukraine.

Appeals for donations of clothing and day-to-day supplies are being made across Gravesend and Dartford as people rally to do their bit to help those in need.

In another show of support, the clock tower and St Andrew’s arts centre in Gravesend are being lit in the colours of the Ukrainian national flag, joining other landmarks such as the Turner Contemporary in Margate, the spire at Rochester Cathedral, the London Eye, Nelson’s Column and the water fountains in Trafalgar Square.

Meanwhile, Gravesham council has joined community leaders in signing a joint statement condemning the Russian attack on Ukraine.

Gravesham council leader Cllr John Burden said: "We have all seen the pictures and footage of the terrible events in Ukraine of the last few days.

"We stand with the people of Ukraine in their resistance against the unwarranted invasion of their country and the terrible violence being unleashed on them and their homes.

"I know I speak on behalf of the many varied communities who now call Gravesend their home, including those who have roots and family in the east of Europe, in condemning the actions of Russia and in calling for an immediate end to this unnecessary war."

Cllr Burden has added his signature to a statement from the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) which strongly condemns the multiple attacks and violations of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.

The statement adds: "The escalation of violence, repeated bombings and attacks on Ukrainian cities and territories are a serious threat to the preservation of peace and democracy across Europe.

"We call on the Federation of Russia to cease its attack, to leave the national territory of Ukraine, to respect all international treaties and fundamental principles of international law and to recognise the full sovereignty of Ukraine over all its territories, including Donbas and Crimea.

"Firmly convinced of local democracy and city diplomacy, based on the values of peace that unite our municipalities across Europe since 1951, we stand by the Ukrainian municipalities, cities, hromadas, districts, raions and their representative associations."

Companies and schools around Gravesend and Dartford are showing solidarity with Ukraine by arranging for supplies to be shipped to Poland.

Rosie Martin, who is an administrator at building firm Callisto Construction, said workers at the company – some of who are from Eastern Europe – asked if they would be able to collect donations and use the vans to drive them to Poland for Ukrainian refugees.

After putting an appeal out this morning, the Horton Kirby-based firm has had a massive response with the office phones "going mental".

Rosie said: "We are doing it because it is heartbreaking. People have had to get up and leave everything behind, you cannot imagine what that is like.

"We want to do our bit. Everybody knows someone who is being affected by it.

"We have not seen many in our area doing this [making collections] so we thought we would, and see how we can help as we have the facilities to be able to do it."

The Callisto team is asking for sleeping bags, blankets/duvets, ladies sanitary products, kids' clothing, medicine, first aid supplies, warm shoes and clothing. The men will be heading off on their journey on Friday at around midday.

You can drop off donations to their office at Unit 1, Court Lodge, Horton Road, Horton Kirby, DA4 9BN or at Dartford Valley Rugby Club at Cotton Lane, Stone, DA2 6PD.

For assistance, or to arrange a drop-off out of hours call, 01322 226111.

North Kent College has also set up collection points at all campuses for their staff and students to use for clothes, shoes, bedding, towels, toys, toiletries, and nappies to send to Ukraine.

Trevor Fox, student engagement officer, said: "The students have seen the images in the press and wanted to know how they can help and wanted to do something.

"We are keen here at the college that everything is student led. We are all being asked questions by pupils. It is at the forefront of their minds."

They will be collecting internally until next Friday where the student union will sort through the donations and send them off to the British Red Cross.

ATIK in Essex Road, Dartford, is holding a clothing collection for Ukraine on behalf of the Red Cross tomorrow (Thursday, March 3) from 2pm to 6pm. Any lost property of coats, jackets and jumpers held by the club for more than six weeks will also be donated.