In pictures: How an Andover woman got people together to support Ukraine

It's perhaps not surprising then that hundreds of people turned out today to pray and support Ukraine in a bright, moving but most importantly, peaceful, display of solidarity.

Organised by Ukrainian national Olga Kott, who lives in Appleshaw near Andover, the event began in the Cathedral Close, Salisbury, where families, kids and older people got together just after 1pm.

Many were wearing yellow and blue outfits while others were holding yellow and blue signs, flags and balloons.

It became immediately apparent that many more people had showed up than initially expected.

A few minutes later crowds made their way inside the Cathedral, where Canon Anna Macham led a brief but touching ceremony.

Olga, who is originally from the city of Zaporizhzhya in south-east Ukraine, lit a candle for Ukraine  while her husband Taras read out a poem written by his mum, followed by a poignant moment of silence and then a round of applause.

After the service, many carried on with their daily business, but around 100 or so supporters walked to the Market Place - waving flags, holding signs and singing Ukrainian anthems.

For Olga, a 38-year-old business owner who has lived in the UK for 15 years, the event went beyond her expectations.

"I didn't expect so many people to come," she said.

"It's a great support for us because we cry every single day, every single night."

Organiser Olga Kott

"My mum, my dad, my sister, my goddaughter, all my friends from university, from school, my neighbours... A lot of people are affected from the different cities now, they are all in danger," she added.

Fighting in Ukraine has now been going on four days, after Russian troops began an unprovoked invasion from three different sides.

While thousands have managed to flee to neighbouring countries, millions more remain in Ukraine, taking shelter in underground car parks, metro stations and basements.

Olga's family and friends are among those still in the country.

Talking about the conflict, the mum-of-two said: "It's not supposed to happen nowadays, it's not our war, people want peace, they pray for peace.

"They don't want to fight but they have to."

In the Market Place, supporters of all nationalities (Ukrainian, Polish, Belorusian, Slovakian and of course British) shared messages of solidarity, before going on to pose for group photos.

It was a day many will remember.