Bridport's town hall clock will be lit in blue and yellow to show its support for people of Ukraine and the country's flag will be flown.

Bridport mayor, councillor Ian Bark, has spoken out about the "abhorrent" situation in Ukraine and is encouraging residents to support calls for donations.

He said: "I am sure like me you have been stunned by events taking place in Ukraine. To see a sovereign democratic European country being subjected to a full-blown military invasion is something I am sure like you I had hoped I would never see happen again.

"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.

"Bridport is proud to be the first Rights Respecting town in this country and as such we are particularly appalled by the removal of basic human rights by military force. The people of Ukraine, following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, have moved steadily from being ruled by an oppressive totalitarian regime to being a sovereign democracy. To see all of that hard won freedom being brutally challenged is abhorrent."

He said that to show the world the people of Bridport are looking on in horror at what Russia is doing and to send a message of support, the town hall clock will shortly be lit in the blue and yellow of the Ukrainian flag, and the Ukrainian flag will be flown.

Cllr Bark added: "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.

"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."

Tom Littledyke, who runs The Shaves Cross Inn near Bridport, has taken a 16-seat mini bus full of supplies to Ukraine. Read more here.

The leader of Dorset Council has also spoken out and the Ukrainian flag will also be flown from County Hall, with the building also being lit up in yellow and blue.

Cllr Spencer Flower said: "We are all deeply saddened by the tragic events unfolding in Ukraine. Our thoughts are with those affected by this conflict.

"We recognise that there will be people within our own community affected by this situation. We are working closely with voluntary and community groups to provide support. I particularly want to thank Dorset Race Equality Council (DREC) for their work supporting local communities who are facing prejudices, and who are also helping to organise local donations.

"Many of us want to know how we can help, and it is wonderful to see the incredible generosity of Dorset residents in making donations to support the people of Ukraine. The advice from local and national charities is that the best way to help is to make a cash donation to an organisation such as the British Red Cross or Save the Children who are responding to the humanitarian crisis. These organisations are already working on the ground and can direct support in the quickest and most appropriate ways.

"As shown with the recent conflicts in Syria and Afghanistan, councils across the country have a proud history of welcoming refugees. We stand ready to work with the Government to support any scheme helping those fleeing the conflict.

"To show our solidarity with the people of Ukraine we will shortly be flying the Ukraine flag from County Hall and also lighting up County Hall in yellow and blue. Thank you to our contractor, Turrell, who have agreed to do this at no charge to show their support.

"We pray for the people of Ukraine that this conflict will end soon and our hope is for peace and for an end to so much unnecessary suffering."