A series of short films celebrating Ukrainian guests who have made their home with host families in Bath and North East Somerset has been launched today to highlight the second anniversary of the Ukraine war.

Bath & North East Somerset Council has also lit up Pulteney Bridge in Bath as part of a national campaign to raise awareness of the 24 months of war since the Russian invasion.

The four films capture the experiences of the guests finding sanctuary in the area and building new lives under the council's Homes for Ukraine scheme, which has so far seen more than 380 guests matched with more than 200 hosts.

The films can be viewed on the council's YouTube channel

The second anniversary of the war on Saturday, February 24 is being marked nationally by the Government's #SlavaUkraini campaign to remind people of the impact of the war on Ukrainians.

It will feature a series of real Ukrainian peoples' stories from 24 months of war, told in 24 seconds, highlighting the ways in which they have fought back against the horrors of war in their own ways.

Bath Abbey will hold a Lunchtime Recital - Light from the Dark from 12:00pm until 1:00pm on Saturday featuring Ukrainian composer and pianist Mariia Yaremak, Ukrainian singer Nicole Media, local violinist Michael Robb and the Ukrainian Choir Harmony. Free tickets can be booked here or just turn up.

Kateryna, who came to Bath from Ukraine, said to her host Rosemary: "What does it mean to be in a safe country? It means life…We have lived together one year and you are our godmother here."

Richard, who hosted Tetiana, said: "The major reason why we wanted to take someone in was, "let's do something"! My wife and I can do this because we're very lucky and we're very privileged - we felt this is an appalling situation that Ukraine are in and we're someone who can help."

Councillor David Wood, Deputy Leader and cabinet member for Council Priorities & Delivery, said: "These impactful films are remarkable reflections of how the people of Bath and North East Somerset have welcomed Ukrainian guests with open arms and supported them to find sanctuary in a safe place.

"Two years on from the Russian invasion as the war in Ukraine continues, there are still Ukrainian people in need of a safe place to stay.

"We encourage residents to consider whether they could open their homes as hosts. Our Homes for Ukraine scheme also welcomes offers of rental properties to help displaced people settle into a new life."

Find out more about the Homes for Ukraine scheme at https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/homes-ukraine-information-sponsors