On Friday 24th February Tameside marked the one-year anniversary of the start of the war in Ukraine when Russia launched its invasion of the country.

The fierce fighting has cost many thousands of lives on both sides with many millions of Ukrainians – the majority women and children – fleeing the nation.

Tameside already had a Ukraine community with its centre in Ashton which has welcomed refugees.

The anniversary was marked locally with a ‘Peace Rally’ at the Civic Monument in Ashton at 5.30pm.  Councillor Joyce Bowerman laid a wreath on behalf of the Civic Mayor at the event.

The Chair of the Association of Ukrainians in Ashton, Stefan Wolosiansky, was joined by Petro Rewko, National Chairman of the Association of Ukrainians in the UK for a moment of reflection to remember all Ukrainians who have lost their lives in the conflict and the singing of the Ukraine national anthem.