Global Peace Monument unveiled at Liverpool's Strawberry Field ahead of Eurovision
The monument has been created as a 'symbol of hope' for Ukraine
A monument created as a "symbol of hope" for Ukraine has gone on display in Liverpool as the city prepares to host the Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of the war-torn country.
The Ukraine Peace Monument was unveiled at Strawberry Field, the former children's home made famous by the Beatles' song Strawberry Fields Forever, on Tuesday.
The 16-foot tall statue, depicting a man holding a book, dove and Ukrainian flag, will be on display for Eurovision fans visiting the city ahead of the contest's final on May 13.
It will be kept in the gardens of the Salvation Army-owned visitor attraction, where John Lennon played as a boy, before being moved to Ukraine to become a permanent monument when it is safe.
Kathy Versfeld, mission director at Strawberry Field, said: "The Ukrainian Peace Monument invites our guests to make a stand for peace, whoever they are, wherever they are - sentiments that John Lennon lived and breathed throughout his life.
"The monument is a beautiful new symbol of hope for Ukraine, and it will be a reminder to the rest of the world of the path to peace: serve, share, forgive, dialogue.
"Strawberry Field is honoured to be the custodian of the monument until it can make its final journey to Ukraine, fulfilling the wishes of the Global Peace Initiative which aims to reduce violence and conflict around the world.
"As Liverpool once again unites the world through music and song, our new monument is a timely reminder to the world - in the words of John - to give peace a chance."
The statue was created by 16-year-old Osbelit Garcia-Morales, from Mexico, who was awarded the commission last year by California-based artist coalition the Global Peace Initiative.
Lennon's sister, Julia Baird, was among those who gathered to see the monument unveiled.
Last year's Eurovision was won by Ukrainian entry Kalush Orchestra but the UK, which came in second place, was chosen to host on the country's behalf due to the Russian invasion.