Stafford’s historic Shire Hall will be showing solidarity with the people of Ukraine on 24 August by lighting up in blue and yellow.

The Ukrainian flag will also be flown from the building throughout the day, when tens of thousands of Ukrainians across the country will be marking Ukraine Independence Day.

The gesture shows the county council’s continuing support for the people of Ukraine, as the war with Russia continues. It is also in support of the more than 1,000 Ukrainians who have made Staffordshire their home since the start of the conflict in February 2022, as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Of these 1,000, 743 remain in Staffordshire, with 262 moving to private accommodation, and more than 150 returning to Ukraine.