OVER thirty people, young and old, held a vigil for Ukraine, last week.

For an hour people stood at Alston Market Cross with candles and Ukrainian flags in solidarity with those who were so far away, yet felt so near.

Those with Ukrainian connections spoke of the country and people they loved, songs were sung, poems recited, prayers said and silence was kept.

The Russian soldiers were remembered too, especially those who hadn’t known they were being sent to war.

Among those present was Eve Carter, a young woman who was about to travel to Hungary to help Ukrainian refugees.

The Vigil started and finished with music played by Josephine Dickinson on the Carillon of St Augustine’s Church, including the Ukrainian national anthem, and followed the Ash Wednesday service there, where prayers were also said for Ukraine.

Mark Nash-Williams, the Vicar of Alston, said "It was quite moving to see how much people care about Ukraine.

"In these days of instant communication, we can’t pretend that what’s happening in Ukraine doesn’t concern us.

"We can see it, and we know instinctively that it’s people just like us who are dying and fighting."

Support for Ukraine continues on Alston Moor, where toiletries and other essentials are being collected to be shipped to Ukraine.

Collection points are in the Cumberland Hotel and the parish churches in Alston, Nenthead, Garrigill, Kirkhaugh, Knaresdale and Lambley.

A service of prayer for Ukraine will be held in St Jude’s Church, Knaresdale this Sunday, March 13, at 3:00 pm.

It will include readings and reflections on Ukraine, music, prayers, silence and the opportunity to light a candle, all are welcome.