SUNFLOWERS which were lovingly planted by Winsford school children in Town Park to welcome Ukrainian refugees have been vandalised.

Winsford Town Council said it was ‘so upset’ to see the damage – just as the plants were beginning to thrive.

Schools were recently invited to Town Park to show support for the people of Ukraine by planting sunflowers, Ukraine’s national flower.

Councillor Laura Whitehead, who was involved in organising the Sunflowers for Ukraine event said: “Following the wonderful Sunflowers for Ukraine event, where schoolchildren and members of the community across Winsford came together to plant sunflowers and welcome refugees, we are so upset that the flower bed has been vandalised.

“The majority were planted by young people with great enthusiasm and pride.

“They were brilliant on the day and a credit to their families, schools and Winsford.

“I believe that it is these young people who have truly represented the spirit of their town, and not the people who ruined their work.

“It is in recognition of this community spirit in Winsford that Winsford Town Council has asked residents to donate further plants so that we can restore the sunflower bed and continue to show solidarity with refugees.

“We have already had several offers of donations of plants and the bed will be replanted as soon as possible.”

If anyone would like to contribute plants, especially sunflowers, but any that are yellow or blue-purple, please contact Winsford Town Council on 01606 593582 or mail@winsford.gov.uk.