The Leeds Together For Ukraine appeal has been launched in response to the humanitarian crisis unleashed by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Initiated by Leeds City Council and administered by Leeds Community Foundation, the appeal aims to act as a focal point for local people wanting to do their bit to help the displaced and the desperate.

The money raised will be used to provide accommodation support and other forms of assistance - in partnership with a range of refugee charities and other third sector organisations - to Ukrainian refugees as they build new lives in Leeds after fleeing the fighting in their homeland.

It will also be used to further develop local support systems to ensure Leeds remains a welcoming and compassionate city for all migrants in the long term.

Leeds has a proud track record of helping those in need, including refugees from Syria, Afghanistan and many other parts of the world in recent years.

The launch of the appeal was agreed following a meeting between Leeds City Council, Migration Yorkshire and the Leeds branch of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain.

More than two million people have fled Ukraine since Russia's invasion and many others have been displaced inside the country.