The national flag of Ukraine has been raised above Sandwich Guildhall Forecourt as a symbol of support.

Mayor of Sandwich Cllr Paul Graeme, mayoress Sue Graeme and Cllr Harry Sampson hosted the ceremony on Saturday.

They were joined by Cllr Brigitte Vanhoutte from Sandwich’s twinned town of Ronse in Belgium and representatives from the Rotary Club who have been leading humanitarian fundraising efforts.

A silence was held before the flag was raised by town sergeant Kevin Cook.

Rotary President Steve Ruston said: “Our club has received a substantial collection of humanitarian aid, which with the help of the Polish Union we have been able to transport to Ukraine.

“We have raised £7,500 so far with £5,000 already passed to our contacts in Europe to purchase essential medical supplies.

“I am humbled by the generosity of the local people and intend to raise further funds and continue to support where we can.”

Cllr Harry Sampson added: “We raised the flag as a symbol of our compassion and solidarity with the Ukrainian people and their fight against aggression.

"Rotary are doing an amazing job raising money and essential supplies.”