A concert performed by a Ukrainian teenager has raised £600 for her home country’s humanitarian appeal.

Crowds gathered at St Mary’s Church on Edward Road in Dorchester for a free piano recital from Kateryna Pyshniuk.

The 13-year-old performed Winter Words by Benjamin Britten, music set to eight poems from Dorset born author Thomas Hardy on a Steinway piano as well as some other melodies.

In a surprise finale, Kateryna and her mother Anna were joined by members of the Ukrainian community including children who sang a traditional folk song. 

Kateryna got involved in performing the concert after local Duncan Honeybourne, who teaches at the Royal College of Music, asked if she would perform in the county town.

Despite the event being free to attend, guests dug deep into their pockets and raised £600 for the Ukrainian Red Cross as part of their Humanitarian Appeal.

The event marked two years since the invasion of Ukraine when talented Kateryna Pyshniuk and her mother fled the country to live with a family in Bristol.

In the UK she was given a full private school scholarship before being offered a spot at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music, the UK’s oldest conservatoire.

Events have been held at the church in aid of Ukraine for the last two years, including a traditional carol performance by Ukrainian families in their national dress.

Martin Ansell, the event’s organiser, said the concert was a ‘huge success’ and thanked everyone for their help in making the event what it was whilst also raising money for a good cause. 

He said: "It was a great privilege to hear Katya play for us. All the performers were outstanding on the evening.

"It was very special and a memorable occasion.

"Thanks to all the people who came and supported the event and were so generous with their contributions."

Since the invasion, the Red Cross in the UK has helped 64,000 refugees arriving from Ukraine and distributed more than 20,000 SIM cards for people to keep in touch with their loved ones.