KEIGHLEY'S Ukrainian community has celebrated Easter.

And guests included refugees who have fled from their war-ravaged homeland – a family from Mariupol now living in Silsden, and a Kyiv family which has settled in Bingley.

"Even in these terrible times following the illegal invasion of Ukraine by Putin’s Russian Army – and the deaths of thousands and destruction of cities – local Ukrainians use their strong religious beliefs to keep their traditions alive," said Stefan Pryimuk, secretary of the Keighley Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain.

Sunday, April 24, is Easter Sunday under the Julian calendar celebrated by Ukrainian Christians.

As part of the celebrations, people attend a church service and share a family meal.

Food is normally taken to the church in decorated baskets and blessed by a priest, to be eaten the following day.

The food may not be consumed until after the morning resurrection liturgy on Easter Sunday.

Keighley Ukrainians gathered at their centre yesterday.

A photographic presentation was given outlining the history of the town's Ukrainian community, which was one of many established in Britain following the Second World War.

And a short service was led by Father Yaroslav Riy, who blessed the food baskets.