Dozens of sunflowers were planted in Malmesbury last Saturday in a symbolic gesture of support for Ukraine.

Sunflower seeds donated by Derek Tilney and the Malmesbury Branch of the Royal British Legion were distributed to local primary schools, care homes and residents attending Ukrainian fundraising events.

More than 50 young sunflowers were then brought to be planted in a wild garden area donated by The Old Bell Hotel.

The hotel also created a huge backdrop banner as reminder that Malmesbury stands with Ukraine.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Sunflowers in Solidarity. Photo: Liz Cook

Planting was organised by the Malmesbury Stands With Ukraine local support group. It was attended by mayor Kim Power and her consort, Cllr Catherine Doody and Malmesbury's Wiltshire councillor and deputy mayor Gavin Grant, convener of the support group.

The planting was led by keen gardeners and local support group members Jackie Peel and Katya Manamsa, with youngsters were encouraged to join in with the planting supervised by their parents.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Edward Smith, aged two, tries his hand at planting. Photo: Liz CookEdward Smith, aged two, tries his hand at planting. Photo: Liz Cook

Cllr Gavin Grant said: "It is wonderful that we have such a prominent place to remind the growing number of Ukrainian women and children arriving in our town and surrounding villages that they are very welcome here and that our communities stand with Ukraine at this difficult and dangerous time for their country.

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"We are very grateful to The Old Bell Hotel, the Royal British Legion and everyone that has enabled this to happen and look forward to seeing the sunflowers bloom in our lovely town."

Click the gallery above to view more photos, taken by Liz Cook.