Around 200 people attended a vigil for peace in Ukraine staged in Llangollen's Centenary Square on Sunday evening.

Some were wearing the blue and yellow colours of the Ukrainan flag while others carried placards supporting the people of the war-torn country who are currently fighting desperately to resist the Russian invasion.

READ MORE: Work underway to get supplies over to Ukraine

The town's former deputy mayor Issy Richards, who organised the vigil, welcomed all those who had come along and read out a poignant anti-war poem entitled Night in Al-Hamra by Saadi Youssef. 

The Leader: Issy Richards gives a message to those who attended. (Pic: Llanblogger)Issy Richards gives a message to those who attended. (Pic: Llanblogger)

The idea to organise the vigil came to Issy after she was appalled by the suffering caused to the Ukrainian people. 

She said: "I thought to myself, I can facilliate an event for the people of Llangollen to show their respects. The people of Llangollen have a wonderful spirit and that was shown at the vigil. 

"It was a low key, quiet affair but it was lovely for the community to get back together after the covid pandemic."

READ MORE: Wrexham community gathers to show support for Ukraine

At dusk scores of candles were lit and placed along the back wall of the square, over which fluttered a specially-placed Ukrainian flag, as a symbol of support for Ukraine.

The St Collen's Church tenor bell was tolled for five minutes. 

At around the same time the castle was lit up in blue and yellow and remained so for around 90 minutes.

The Leader: Lit up in yellow and blue. (Pic: Llanblogger)Lit up in yellow and blue. (Pic: Llanblogger)

Just before two the town hall clock struck 6pm the gathering stood in silence for two minutes, which Issy described as 'spine tingling'. 

She added: "We held a spine tingling two minute silence and the power of the people in that circle was amazing. It was a wonderful gathering of people showing their support. 

READ MORE: Flintshire and Wrexham communities efforts of support ramp up

"What was also brilliant is that we raised almost £600 through donations. We didn't go shaking buckets round, we just left it up to people if they wanted to donate and they certainly did."

A total of £584.88 was raised for the Red Cross Ukraine Appeal. 

The castle illumination had been specially arranged by ASG Audio Visual and the Clwydian Range and dee Valley.

READ MORE: Over 100 people turned up to a Denbighshire vigil in support of Ukrainian people.