A council has defended its decision to fly the Ukrainian flag next to a windmill in a sign of solidarity after receiving "political" complaints.

The blue and yellow colours currently adorn a flagpole in the gardens of Meopham Windmill, which is the headquarters of the parish council.

Meopham Parish Council decided to fly the Eastern European nation's flag on the green from April 26 to show support for the nation which is currently being invaded by Russian forces.

It said it did so to express solidarity with the people of Ukraine who are "experiencing terrible atrocities and suffering immensely through no fault of their own".

The parish council said it also wanted to make any refugees who were being settled in the village feel safe and welcome.

But since erecting the flag it says it has received a "small number of complaints" asking for it to be removed for "political reasons".

It added that these complaints had been around the belief that the flag represents the council "taking a stance on the politics of the Ukrainian government and views they are alleged to have".

But its clerk defended the decision and said this was "not the case at all" and they will continue to fly the flag.

Shaun Fishenden said: “We are extremely disappointed to have received a small number of complaints asking for the flag’s removal.

"We will be continuing to fly it for the purpose of expressing our solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

"The parish council along with the local community stands ready to welcome with open arms, refugees from Ukraine who are being resettled within the parish.”

The office has also invited any refugees or households within Meopham who are welcoming refugees from Ukraine to contact them on enquiries@meopham-pc.gov.uk.

It says staff will provide assistance in signposting them to relevant agencies who can provide advice and support.

It comes after two coach-loads carrying nearly 100 Ukrainian refugees arrived at nearby Hartley Country Club last month.

All of the arrivals had been issued visas and were arranging to meet with UK sponsors living locally and further afield.

Last month, a former soldier also defied a council order to take down a flagpole bearing the Union and Ukrainian flags in Canterbury.

The 33-year-old had been ordered to take it down due to health and safety fears, and its location in a communal space.