Sunderland lights up landmarks in solidarity with Ukraine

The Northern Spire bridge, Penshaw Monument, Keel Square, Fulwell Mill, Seaburn Lighthouse, Hylton Castle and the Beacon of Light are all lit in the colours of the Ukrainian flag.

They were lit from dusk on Tuesday (March 1) and will remain lit for three more nights.

Read more: Ukrainian doctor in North East issues plea for supplies

Leader of Sunderland City Council, Councillor Graeme Miller said: "Landmarks across the world are being lit to show and express solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

"I know that the residents of our city have strong views and feelings about what is happening in Ukraine and it's only right and correct that we express and show our solidarity.

"The people of Ukraine have won and are winning a lot of admiration for their stand against President Putin. We have seen the protests, we have seen the images of the suffering and we can see the defiance.

"Ukrainians are very serious about defending their country and their freedoms and we here in Sunderland are serious about showing our solidarity with them. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of the Ukraine and that there is an end to the bullying, aggression and war that Mr Putin has brought to Europe."

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054