A top Ukranian pop-rock band who downed their instruments to fight on the front line have asked Ed Sheeran if they can play alongside him at the Concert for Ukraine.

Band Antytila want to play at the Concert for Ukraine due to take place in Birmingham next week, via video link from Kyiv.

The two-hour gig will take place on March 29 and will air on ITV in aid of the attacked nation.

Ed Sheeran is due to perform alongside Emeli Sande, Gregory Porter and Snow Patrol.

Lead singer Taras Topolya and his bandmates have been fighting for their nation in Kyiv for weeks.

In a message directly to Ed, Taras said: "We are musicians of the Ukrainian band Antytila – one of the most popular Ukrainian bands with a lot of fans in Ukraine and all over the world.

"In peacetime, our concerts gathered in stadiums.

"The war has changed our lives and now we are fighting with weapons against the Russian occupiers.

"We thank you, and all the British people for their support.

"Believe me, we are grateful, and we will always, always remember this."