People gather in Bolton as a mark of solidarity with the town's strong Ukrainian community

The Bolton branch of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, were joined by councillors and other members of Bolton's community, in a show of solidarity and support following the Russian invasion of their homeland.

'My world has changed' were the words of Olena Mariichak as she stood alongside her fellow members of Bolton's strong Ukrainian community.

From right to left: Lyudmyla Zakletska and her son, with their friend Olena Mariichak
Olena told The Bolton News: "I had to come back from Ukraine a week early because of what is happening.

"My mother and grandfather were told not to leave the country, and it has taken hours to cross the Romanian borders.

"The world needs to give more support.

"I felt it before I put the TV on and my world has changed.

"Every life changed."

She burst into tears when she told us that her friend hasn't been able to go to university and has been sleeping in the metro station.

Olena was also joined by her friend, Lyudmyla Zakletska, who hasn't seen her family and her mum in particular, for three years due to Covid, and now has to wait even longer.

Lyudmyla said: "My whole family are in Ukraine.
"Some friends who have children have been hiding underground, and in caves because it hasn't been possible to leave Kyiv.

"At work I have received so much support from customers asking how my family is.
"We are proud of our nation, what we have done, and the choices we have made, and our freedom.

"We are also a very kind nation, and it's always like Christmas if people come to our house."

Nearly 120,000 people have so far fled Ukraine into Poland and other neighbouring countries amid the Russian invasion, the UN refugee agency said.
Poland has declared its border open to fleeing Ukrainians, even for those without official documents.

Chair of Bolton's branch Yaroslaw Tymchyshyn led the singing of the Ukrainian national anthem as they all stood on the steps.

Similar gatherings took place across the country in a show of support.
On Friday the Ukrainian flag was raised in Bolton and the town hall was illuminated the colours of the standard.

The Bolton branch is urgently appealing for donations to raise funds for vulnerable families in need of medical equipment and supplies, which is online via Help Ukraine Emergency Appeal on the GoFundMe site.

Donations can also be made at the Ukrainian Cultural Centre, 99 Castle St, Bolton, BL2 1JP.

All pictures by Henry Lisowski