A UKRANIAN delegation has visited an East Lancashire borough to discuss a proposed twinning arrangement.

The representatives of the town of Khust in the west of the war-torn country met with the Mayor of Hyndburn Cllr Mike Booth, council leader Cllr Munsif Dad and other councillors and borough officers at Accrington Town Hall.

The Ukrainian delegation was led by Professor Mykhaylo Oros and Mrs Liudmyla Varha.

The purpose of the meeting was to take forward the proposal, agreed last year, to set up a twinning arrangement between Accrington and the town of Khust in the Carpathian mountains in the west of the country.

A number of Ukrainian residents of Hyndburn borough also attended and spoke warmly of the welcome and friendly support they have received from the people of Hyndburn.

Professor Oros reflected that this local support mirrored the considerable support offered by the UK Government since the start of the war.

Cllr Booth said: "It was wonderful to meet our Ukrainian guests, those visiting and those who have been resident in our borough.

"I was proud – and not at all surprised - to hear from them about the warmth they have experienced from our Hyndburn community.

"I look forward to plans for the twinning arrangement progressing.”

Cllr Dad said: “Twinning arrangements are not only an expression of solidarity and friendship, but an opportunity to explore mutual benefits such as around economic development and trade, education, and cultural engagement.

"I was pleased to confirm the council’s ongoing commitment to this initiative and look forward to a report coming to our September Full Council meeting for us to formalise the agreement to take forward twinning between our towns, and to bring people together to work on future plans.”