The Ukrainian community in Bolton will be coming together this week to mark 500 days since the Russian invasion last year.

Residents will meet outside the old Marks and Spencer store on Deansgate on Saturday, July 8 from 12pm until 1pm.

They will host a special show dedicated to raising awareness about the atrocities that have happened and continue to take place during the war in their homeland.

There will be a number of guests who will be attending, including locally-based award-winning Ukrainian choir, Svitoch, who will sing a number of songs from their country.

Yaroslaw Tymchyshyn, Bolton branch chairman of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, said: “Saturday, July 8 will see the 500th day since Russia extended their war against Ukraine.

“A war which was started in 2014.

“500 days in which we have seen war crimes of rape and murder, bombing of buildings holding children, hospitals, and schools.

“The Ukrainian community of Bolton, which has been enlarged with displaced Ukrainians escaping the war, have gathered virtually every Saturday to show solidarity with their brothers and sisters in Ukraine.

“On this particular Saturday, we would very much appreciate if you could join us in an act of union and solidarity against the monster of Moscow.

“Please come dressed in normal attire, there is no need for any ceremonial dress.”

If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.