A POIGNANT symbol to Ukraine placed at the top of the Malvern Hills has been removed.

Walkers were delighted to see the blue and yellow Ukraine flag placed on the summit marker of Worcestershire beacon this weekend.

But by Monday afternoon the flag had disappeared leaving some people disappointed to see the show of solidarity removed.

Malvern Hills Trust said staff had visited the site but the flag had already gone.

A spokesperson said: "Our staff made a visit to the Beacon and found that the flag wasn’t there.

"It appears that the flag had broken off so staff removed the stick and tape which were still attached to the trig point. 

"There was no sign of the flag itself."

Rob Smith, from Malvern, saw the flag flying while enjoying a walk along the hills on Sunday (March 7).

Mr Smith, who took this video, said: "It is very poignant and emotional to see the Ukrainian flag flying over the Malvern Hills and makes you think about the unnecessary suffering of our fellow human beings."

Many agreed with social media filled with walkers snapping a picture with the flag which had the Lord's Prayer written on it.

The flag had been duct-taped to the summit marker at some point over the weekend by a mystery person.

Dr Tom Crawford tweeted: "Went for a walk in the Malvern Hills and found this at the top.

"Amazing to see such support for Ukraine, but also incredible something like this can still happen in 2022.

"Here’s hoping for a peaceful resolution <3 #IStandWithUkraine."

But others felt it was inappropriate to be flying the Ukraine flag when atrocities were taking place around the world.

Mangur Pola said: "Many countries have problems. I don't understand why the world only supports Ukraine?

"I am against war and bloodshed, I want Ukraine to return to its normal state, I pray for them."

There have been shows of solidarity with Ukraine across Worcestershire with people organising collections for those fleeing the war with Russia.

A standing ovation marked t the end of the Madama Butterfly opera at Malvern Theatres as the cast performed the Ukrainian national anthem.

Tenor Vitalii Liskovetskyi, who is Ukrainian, took to the stage after his performance with a flag and was met with a huge round of applause.