Proposals to 'twin' Accrington with a city in Western Ukraine look set to be formally adopted tomorrow, Thursday.

Several meetings have taken place between Hyndburn Council officials and their counterparts from Khust, close to both the Romanian and Hungarian borders.

And last month a Ukrainian delegation, led by Prof Mykhaylo Oros and Mrs Liudmyla Varha visited Accrington Town Hall to exchange gifts.

Now Hyndburn councillors are being to formalise a town twinning arrangement with Khust, renowned as a tourist destination with a rich industrial heritage, when the full council meets.

In a report, Julian Joinson, member services manager, says: "The proposal to twin with Khust was initially brought forward by one of the residents in Hyndburn on the Homes for Ukraine scheme, neurologist Dr Valeyrie Hrymchat.

"In August 2023, Hyndburn Council hosted an initial virtual meeting between chief executive, David Welsby, leader of the council Marlene Haworth, the Mayor and Mayoress of Hyndburn, council officers and representatives from Khust, including the Mayor of Khust.

"The following week, Hyndburn Council hosted a civic event at Haworth Art Gallery to welcome Khust representatives Prof Mykhailo Oros and Assistant Prof Luidmyla Varha.

"Both events served to initiate a working relationship between Hyndburn Council and Khust Council. A presentation in support of twinning was also provided at council on November 2.

"On August 5, a further meeting took place between council representatives and Prof Oros and Assistant Prof Varha at the Town Hall, Accrington, to reaffirm the Council’s commitment to town twinning and to discuss progress."

Councillors have been told cabinet members, officers, a representative from Homes for Ukraine Scheme, and members of the Ukrainian community in Hyndburn "spoke of their common aims and

growing sense of friendship and noted the opportunities that town twinning might bring to both communities".

Prof Oros presented Mayor Cllr Micheal Booth with a painting of a landscape in the Transcarpathian region of Ukraine and a letter was sent to Khust City Council to confirm the council’s commitment to twinning.

In his report, Mr Joinson adds: "This proposal presents a unique opportunity for our community to foster international relationships, promote economic development and enhance cultural exchange."

He cites several civic, economic, tourism, education and skills and community benefits to such a relationship.

He concludes: "This initiative aligns with Hyndburn’s ongoing commitment to creating a prosperous and inclusive future for residents that has a global reach."