Zelenskyy Avenue: Harlow road renamed after Ukraine president

Outgoing Conservative council leader Russell Perrin and Mayor Andrew Johnson unveiled the new sign in the Essex new town

A road in Essex has been renamed after the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky.

Fifth Avenue in Harlow is now known as "Fifth Avenue - Zelenskyy Avenue", using an alternative spelling.

Harlow Council's departing Conservative leader, Russell Perrin, said the renaming was about recognising the president's "inspirational leadership" during Russia's invasion.

He said it was also a show of support for Ukrainian refugees in the town.

A motion to rename the road was agreed by district councillors last year.

"This busy main road which leads in and out of Harlow will be a legacy to the inspirational efforts of both Ukraine's president and Ukrainian people," he said.

Mr Perrin stepped down as leader at a full council meeting on Thursday, having cited work and family reasons, and 22-year-old Dan Swords was voted in to replace him.

Volodymyr Zelensky was at Chequers in Buckinghamshire earlier this month to meet Prime Minister Rishi Sunak