KEIGHLEY'S mayor has paid tribute following a peace service held in the town to mark a year since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The event took place at Keighley Shared Church yesterday (February 23).

The Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain had urged individuals and organisations across the UK to participate in events as a show of solidarity with the war-ravaged country and its people.

Town mayor, Councillor Luke Maunsell, described the Keighley service as "incredibly touching and powerful".

He added: "Never have I been so moved in church.

"It was brilliant to have the service conducted not only by the Rev Canon Mike Cansdale but also by a Ukrainian Orthodox and a Catholic priest. To hear prayers and hymns in the native language was unbelievably memorable, and is something that will stay with me forever.

"Thanks go to the Shared Church and the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain for pulling this together, as well as the humblest of thanks to Stefan Cyhanko – the association's Keighley secretary – for his powerful words to those in attendance.

"I am so proud that the town council and this town remain standing in unity with Ukraine and our Ukrainian community."