A Ledbury shop is accepting donations from anyone wishing to help those affected by the conflict in Ukraine.

Russian troops launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine last Thursday, killing 352 civilians according to Ukraine’s interior ministry and forcing thousands to flee the country or take shelter underground.

The UN refugee agency has said more than 368,000 people have fled Ukraine into neighbouring countries - a number that could rise to four million if the situation continues to worsen.

Many of us have been watching events unfold on our phones and TVs, wondering if there’s anything we can do to help.

That’s the situation Lara Sysum, who runs Pacific Dove Clothing in The Homend, found herself in. So after finding groups in Newent and Gloucester that are organising collections, she has set up a hub so people in Ledbury have somewhere to donate.

Ledbury Reporter: Donations at the Klub Orla Bialego in London prior to an aid convoy setting off to Ukraine. Credit: PADonations at the Klub Orla Bialego in London prior to an aid convoy setting off to Ukraine. Credit: PA

“Watching the news has absolutely devastated me,” said Lara. “The people of Ukraine need all the help they can get.”

“I noticed there were a few groups starting to collect so I wanted to join in. I asked if Ledbury had a collection point already, which we didn’t.

“So as I have a shop in the middle of the high street I thought I’d become a collection hub for Ledbury residents, then filter the donated items to the different organisations. This generally makes it easier and quicker to donate, and also gets more people joining in if they have a nearby drop-off point.

“There’s always something we can do to help. So let’s do it.”

The collection organisers are asking for a number of items including baby products, sanitary products including sanitary towels, toothbrushes and toothpaste, soap and deodorant, first aid items, pet food and blankets, dry food items with a long shelf life and clothing - particularly underwear, socks, gloves and hats.

Pacific Dove will be accepting items all week and will take donations to collection points in Newent and Gloucester on Sunday.