The community spirit in Bridport is shining through to show support to Ukraine and those suffering following the Russian invasion.

More than 2,000 civilians have died since the invasion, Ukraine's state emergency service said, although that figure has not been independently verified.

The United Nations' refugee agency believes around 874,000 people have fled Ukraine but that figure is soon expected to reach a million.

In the Bridport area, residents have been collecting donations which can be sent to people fleeing the country.

One hair salon is stepping up by acting as a drop-off point for donations such as blankets, baby products, toothpaste and brushes, toiletries, sanitary towels, and clothing.

Ellie Cox, owner of Waves Hair Studio at Freshwater Holiday Park, Burton Bradstock, said: “We just decided to start collecting as we felt helpless, the thought of families being torn apart. It doesn’t even seem real that this is allowed to happen. We just wanted to do any little thing we can to make life a little better for them.

“We literally only published our collection on Tuesday of this week and have already got two big boxes of donations. It’s so nice to seeing people coming together to help.”

The salon will be taking the donations to the Polish convenience store, Food Plus, in Bournemouth each Monday so are requesting donations by the end of each working week.

Meanwhile, to ‘let the world know the people of Bridport are looking on in horror at what Russia is doing’ and to send a message of support to the people of Ukraine, Bridport's Town Hall clock will be lit in the blue and yellow of the Ukrainian flag, and the flag will be flown.

Mayor of Bridport Ian Bark said: “This beacon in the centre of our town will not only symbolically beam out those messages but also reminds us all to keep the people of Ukraine, and other countries around the world currently undergoing similar turmoil, in our thoughts."

He added: “What is currently happening in Ukraine fills me with a range of emotions from outrage at the unprovoked attack to the horror at the consequences of their actions and frustration and helplessness at not being able to do something concrete to help the people being subjected to military bombardment and as a consequence having to flee their country to seek a safe haven.

“I have seen some wonderful examples of local activity to collect desperately needed supplies to send to Ukraine, alongside the campaigns of national organisations who have the infrastructure in place to get aid to where it is most needed. I would encourage everyone to support these initiatives.”