A group in the Towns dedicated to supporting the work of a global organisation launched this week.

The association will aim to promote the United Nations missions of equality, sustainability and peace on a local scale.

A flag-raising ceremony was held at Medway Council offices in Gun Wharf, Chatham, to commemorate the newly formed Medway United Nations Association (MUNA).

Celebrations continued as a spire was lit blue at Rochester Cathedral – the UN theme colour.

The congregation of the church also held a coffee morning and evening prayers in support of the group.

MUNA spokesman Alan Wells said: “I know that setting up Medway UNA is going to be the easy part, the real test is going to be the next 12 months.

“I am very positive about our future – I know it's going to be challenging, exciting, and yet rewarding.”

The group will raise public awareness of its work and promote its goals of peacekeeping, UNESCO and tackling climate change.

“These past few years, indeed these past few weeks have demonstrated the need for international tools to ease the pain of suffering that we have all seen for ourselves played out,” Alan explained.

Cross party leaders, councillors, Medway Interfaith Action and Medway Help for Ukrainians attended the launch to show their support.

Mayor Cllr Nina Gurung said: "Now, more than ever, greater mutual respect and understanding, compassion and dialogue is needed to resolve differences.

“We hope and pray for the total end of violence everywhere and the heralding of lasting peace and harmony across the world.”

A United Nations Association is a non-governmental organization that aims to enhance the relationship between the people of member states and the United Nations.

Branches exist in every region in the UK and currently has three others in Kent, which can be found in Dartford, Canterbury and Tunbridge Wells.

Their mission is to build movements for systemic change at the UN and to advocate for UK action to achieve global cooperation.