Dozens of people gathered to light candles to commemorate the anniversary of the start of the war in Ukraine.

Residents from across the city and refugees who have fled the Russian invasion placed candles at the base of the Peace Statue on Hove seafront to pay tribute to those killed in the ongoing war.

Some draped themselves in the Ukrainian flag and sang the national anthem of the country.

One of the organisers of the event, Kira Makogon, said that the support Ukrainians have received in the city has been “heartwarming” and said: “Today is a time for reflection, but also a time for hope.”

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She also paid tribute to those fighting on the frontline against the Russian invasion and said: “We are proud of those who fight and we support them as much as we can; with money, with supplies, with warm words - everything we can.

“I believe when Ukraine does win, it will be a victory not just for us, but the whole world.”

Since the war started on February 24, 2022, tens of thousands of people have been killed and millions of people displaced in the largest refugee crisis since the Second World War.