"WE stand with you".

That's the resounding message from Keighley as it demonstrates its solidarity with Ukraine.

And glowing tribute has been paid to townspeople for the "brilliant" way they've rallied round to help Ukrainian refugees fleeing their homeland following the Russian invasion.

The Good Shepherd Centre in Keighley, which has been acting as a collection point for essential items and clothing to be sent out to help those who now have nothing, has been swamped with donations.

Keighley Town Council has condemned Russia's actions, describing the attacks on innocent people as "beyond comprehension".

Town mayor Councillor Julie Adams was amongst those who attended a gathering, in Town Hall Square yesterday, to display unity with the Ukrainian people.

"I wanted to show that I – and the town council – are behind them and if there's anything we can do to help we will," she said.

"We are to fly the flag of Ukraine in Town Hall Square as a sign of solidarity.

"The response from Keighley people to help the refugees has been brilliant. The Good Shepherd Centre has received so many donations of goods, we agreed to provide some additional storage space.

"The way in which people have rallied round has been heartwarming."

Special prayers for the Ukrainian people and for peace were said at churches across the district today, including at Keighley Shared Church – where a flag of Ukraine was draped over the altar.

Freemasons from the Keighley-based Royal Yorkshire Lodge No 265 have donated £500 to the Good Shepherd Centre to support the humanitarian effort.

A motion, proposed by master David Key and approved by members, said the people of Ukraine were facing "an unprecedented crisis".

Within hours of the meeting, a cheque had been presented to the centre by the lodge's Andrew Harrison.

Staff at NSF Controls in Keighley have also rallied round.

In just 24 hours, they collected £530 and a range of goods – including medicines, clothing, footwear, toiletries and nappies – to hand over to the Good Shepherd Centre, for a lorry destined for Poland.

Keighley Trades Union Council is making a £1,000 donation to its Ukrainian sister trade unions, FPU and KVPU – which are providing food, provisions, medical supplies and hygiene items to those in desperate need.

The TUC has condemned the invasion of Ukraine, and is demanding that Russia withdraws its troops and respects Ukrainian territorial integrity.