Cities' friendship pact 'an amazing moment'

Hereford and Ukrainian city Zhytomyr have signed a friendship agreement described as a "an amazing, historic moment" for both places.

In a ceremony, held online in both cities on Tuesday, dignitaries gathered to sign the pact and exchange singing and dancing performances.

Lesley Grady, of the Diocese of Hereford, said: "This is the next step to cementing our friendship, our relationship and our pledge that we will stand together with them."

Inna Protsiuk, from the community integration project, travelled from Zhytomyr for the ceremony, and said her hope was both sides could form a community together, and one day that community could become physical.

"We could become a part of your community and you could become a part of our community," she said.

"Our kids could study in your colleges and your kids could study in our colleges. It will just be great to share all our experiences, and become closer to each other."

Grady said she had been "close to tears so many times" working with her Ukraine partners in the four years since the war began in 2022.

"But today we have signed a friendship agreement between the cities of Hereford and Zhytomyr in Ukraine, which is an amazing historic moment," she explained.

"For the last four years we have been working really closely as a community network since the outbreak of war."

The ceremony was hosted by the cities' mayors, Daniel Powell of Hereford and Halyna Shymanska of Zhytomyr.

Powell, Mayor of Hereford, said: "This agreement marks the beginning of a meaningful and lasting friendship between Hereford and Zhytomyr.

"At a time when unity matters more than ever, we are proud to stand side by side with the people of Zhytomyr and Ukraine."

Shymanska, Mayor of Zhytomyr, added: "We are looking forward to working with our friends and colleagues in Hereford, which has offered such a warm welcome and safety to so many Ukrainians fleeing the war here at home."

Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.