Watford councillors have united in their solidarity for the Ukrainian people.

Ahead of a council meeting last night, members gathered to raise the flag of Ukraine and play the country's national anthem outside the town hall.

During the meeting, the council showed its support to those in Ukraine by unanimously supporting a motion that condemns the Russian invasion.

Put forward by Labour councillor Asif Khan and seconded by Liberal Democrat deputy mayor Cllr Aga Dychton, by passing the motion, Watford Borough Council has noted the Russian attack on Ukraine is "unjust and without any cause".

It adds: "The ongoing horrendous loss of civilian life in Ukraine is a human tragedy. The people of Ukraine have fought bravely and with courage defending their freedoms and democracy. Russia’s attack on Ukraine is an attack on democracy itself."

The council has resolved to call on Russia to withdraw its troops in Ukraine, stand in solidarity with the Ukrainians, encourage people in Watford to donate to appeals for humanitarian support in Ukraine, and "fully support serious punitive sanctions against Russia and Vladimir Putin’s supporters in the UK".

The motion calls on the council to write to Prime Minister Boris Johnson to "take serious action on Russian money laundering and Russian influence inside the UK" and to write to Home Secretary Priti Patel to take in Ukranian refugees.

Watford's mayor Peter Taylor has also been asked to write to the Russian Ambassador condemning the war and to call for her to withdraws troops from Ukraine "immediately".

At the weekend, a prayer vigil was held at Cassiobury Park in partnership with the Watford Interfaith Association.

Among those who attended were councillors, the mayor and the town's Conservative MP Dean Russell.

People can show their support for Ukraine by taking part in the council's appeal here.