The national flag of Ukraine was raised in the town today (Wednesday 24 August) to mark the country's Independence Day.

Ukraine declared independence in 1991 amid the fall of the Soviet Union.

The occasion this afternoon saw the hoisting of the flag, prayers, and songs sung by Ukrainian refugees present.

Refugees singing (Nub News/ Will Goddard)

Mayor of Dawlish Cllr Lisa Mayne said: "We've got quite a strong presence of Ukrainian guests and hosts here and I think we needed to show our support.

"They are settling in well, they're integrating. Look at the children: they've got to learn a different language, go to different schools, they must be heartbroken."

Russia invaded Ukraine six months ago today on 24 February, and the conflict is still ongoing.

More than 90 Ukrainian families had been matched with households in Teignbridge as of 4 May, and English classes have also been running in Dawlish.

READ MORE: BBC films Ukrainian refugees in Dawlish