A Ukrainian woman has hailed the "amazing" response and "loving hearts" of people in Waveney on the first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
A special ceremony in Lowestoft attracted a good turnout of people standing with Ukraine in a poignant show of solidarity.
Thanking those who turned out for the event organised by Lowestoft Town Council, Mayor of Lowestoft Alan Green said: "On this the first anniversary of the invasion, we gather to witness the raising of the Ukrainian Flag on the Town Hall as a mark of support for the people of Ukraine."
A minute's silence was then observed at Compass Street Pocket Park as people remembered the lives disrupted and lost during the Russo-Ukrainian War.
The gathering then heard from Inna, who with her family was one of the many Ukrainian refugees who came over to Britain after the invasion.
In her speech in English - that was translated into Ukrainian by another group member - Inna, who left Mariupol at the start of the invasion, said: "To everyone who opened their doors and loving hearts and continues to do this - you are amazing!
"The people of Ukraine seek peace, not war."
The mayor added: "They have settled here in Lowestoft thanks to the hospitality of Waveney Hosts Together."
With Waveney Hosts Together being a support group for families in the district who are welcoming Ukrainians into their homes, a spokesman said that "about 30 families" are currently being hosted in the Waveney area.
Prior to the ceremony, the hosts, and a group of the Ukrainian refugees, met at the Cenotaph in Lowestoft and laid flowers, a Ukrainian Flag and observed a minutes silence before 'a march for peace' took place through the town.
They then joined Christians Together In Lowestoft and District at the Stella Maris Hall.
With Waveney MP Peter Aldous, numerous Lowestoft town councillors and East Suffolk councillor Keith Robinson attending the ceremony, Mr Aldous said: "Today, we stand shoulder to shoulder together with them in solidarity."
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