A GROUP of Manaton residents, urged into action by the ongoing troubles in Ukraine, organised a fundraising event for the Ukrainian Red Cross on Saturday, May 28.

More than 70 people gathered at Manaton Parish Hall for the event, which was in aid of the Ukrainian Red Cross.

Attendees had the chance to muse over an exhibition of Ukrainian books, artefacts and documents detailing the work of the Ukrainian Red Cross before sitting down for a traditional three-course Ukrainian dinner  of borshch and pampushkas and much else besides.

With bellies sufficiently filled, Manatonians settled in to watch a video presentation led by an employee of the Ukrainian Red Cross before rounding off the evening with a raffle and an auction.

A number of individuals, as well as local businesses, donated raffle and auction prizes ranging from pieces of art and a luxury Fortnum and Mason hamper to meals in the local pubs, cafes and restaurants and weekends away in London and Dorset.

Donations on the evening, as well as donations to a JustGiving page associated with the Manaton fundraiser, came to an impressive £5,96 - in addition to this figure five parcels of medical supplies for ‘Support Ukraine’ were gathered.

Svetlana Pike, who is of Ukrainian descent and attended the evening with daughter Emily, said: ‘It was great to get the Manaton community together and we all feel good that we are making our contribution which can make a difference.’