A call for peace was made in Dereham as people gathered to mark one year since the invasion of Ukraine.

People from across the town gathered at the Ellenor Fenn Garden to witness a peace tree being planted by the Dereham Ukraine Aid Centre today to mark a year since Russia invaded the country.

Volunteers were joined by Ukrainians, town councillors, and MP George Freeman - with the event being broadcast live on Ukrainian television.

Dereham Times: Leanne Jarman and Ian Odgers, front, plant the Dereham Ukraine Aid Centre Peace Tree with Ukranian friends and volunteers to mark a year since Ukraine was invaded.Leanne Jarman and Ian Odgers, front, plant the Dereham Ukraine Aid Centre Peace Tree with Ukranian friends and volunteers to mark a year since Ukraine was invaded. (Image: Denise Bradley)

The ceremony saw a poem read aloud by Leanne Jarman, one of the centre’s co-founders, and a small plaque installed to mark the tree, which was supported by Dencora and Toftwood Garden Centre.

Speaking at the event, co-founder Ian Odgers said: “The last 12 months have been such an emotional rollercoaster,  I have so many new friends that I have met for all the wrong reasons, the guests and the volunteers make the centre the incredible place that it is.

“I challenge anyone to visit the centre even for just a short while and leave as the same person that came in.

Dereham Times: Leanne Jarman reads a poem as the Dereham Ukraine Aid Centre Peace Tree is planted to mark a year since Ukraine was invadedLeanne Jarman reads a poem as the Dereham Ukraine Aid Centre Peace Tree is planted to mark a year since Ukraine was invaded (Image: Denise Bradley)

"I would like to thank every single person that has made all that we do possible, there are far too many to mention.” 

Over the last year, Dereham volunteers have stepped up to help Ukraine, from its donation appeals to send essentials, to welcoming refugees into their homes.

The centre opened its doors last May in the former M&Co unit and offers a space where people forced to flee their homeland could meet and stock up on items like food and clothes.

Dereham Times: Ukrainians add soil as the Dereham Ukraine Aid Centre Peace Tree is planted to mark a year since Ukraine was invaded.Ukrainians add soil as the Dereham Ukraine Aid Centre Peace Tree is planted to mark a year since Ukraine was invaded. (Image: Denise Bradley)

It also offered English lessons with the help of tutors from West Suffolk College, as well as a cafe and a play area for children.

The co-founders said a massive thank you to all the volunteers, Love Dereham and Dencora for making the centre possible.

Dereham Times: One of the hug rings given to Ukrainians and volunteers at the Dereham Ukraine Aid Centre, marking a year since Ukraine was invaded.One of the hug rings given to Ukrainians and volunteers at the Dereham Ukraine Aid Centre, marking a year since Ukraine was invaded. (Image: Denise Bradley)