People can join for a show of solidarity with Ukraine this afternoon at an event in Helston.

Town mayor Tim Grattan-Kane and local councillors will be joining at 2pm today (Saturday) at Helston's Coronation Park boating lake.

Here there will be a walk of solidarity to show support with the people of Ukraine.

Helston Town Council is als encouraging people to make any financial contributions online via the Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC), which is fundraising for 15 of the leading UK aid charities at www.dec.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal

Direct donations to charities can benefit from additional funding via gift aid and the UK Government has agreed that it will match fund public donations to DEC up to a value of £20 million.

Other support taking place locally today includes at Helston Farmers’ Market this morning, which will be fundraising in aid of the Ukraine Crisis Appeal with the sale of bunches of wild garlic donated by Wild Pesto, and Farmers’ Market jute bags.

All proceeds from these sales will be match funded by South Kerrier Alliance Community Interest Company and the money raised donated to the Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal. Cash donations to the Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal can also be made via a bucket in the hall.

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The Bell Inn in Meneage Street, Helston has opened up as a drop off point for items such as clothing, blankets and other needed items and supplies. Donations can be left between 3pm and 9pm each day up to next Thursday, March 10.

And in Porthleven the Shipyard Market is now acting as a donation and collection point until Sunday, organised by Tom Mucklow.

Needed donations, which should be new or in very good condition, include batteries, flashlights and candles; clothes, including thermals, and shoes; nappies, baby bottles and children's toys; first aid kits including bandages and painkillers; sanitary products; duvets, blankets and pillows; metal cups.

People have been asked to note that the collection point may close before Sunday once the quota is filled, as there is limited capacity in the shipment going over.

Cash donations to the Red Cross Ukranian Crisis Appeal can also be made via a bucket in the Radish Cafe, in the market.

UPDATE: Both the Bell Inn and Shipyard Market are now closed for physical donations after reaching their quota, but can still accept cash donations. 

Here's where else you can drop off donations to Ukraine in Cornwall.