A torchlight parade from Richmond through to Twickenham will be held this afternoon – Friday - in memory of women killed this year.

Residents are invited to join the event to mark the end of this year's 16 Days of Action campaign which raises awareness of violence against women and girls.

The short walk will begin at 5.30pm in the Quadrant, Richmond, and ends outside of York House, Twickenham where 133 white flowers will be laid – one for every woman killed by men in the UK this year.

People are encouraged to join the walk with either an electric torch or the torch on their phone to demonstrate Richmond upon Thames' solidarity and determination to eliminate violence against women and girls.

The event is being organised by Cllr Ben Khosa, Richmond Council's first White Ribbon Champion, who has the specific aim of driving forward the borough's work to tackle violence against women and girls.

The Leader of the Council Gareth Roberts and Munira Wilson MP will also be in attendance.

Richmond Council recently became White Ribbon Accredited – showing its commitment to ending male violence against women. White Ribbon is a global campaign that encourages people, and especially men and boys, to act and change the behaviour and culture that leads to abuse and violence.

Cllr Khosa said: "White Ribbon's 16 Days of Action asks men everywhere to recognise the necessity for them to stand up and take responsibility in working towards a future without violence against women and girls.

"This walk is an opportunity for everyone to come together to remember the women who have been killed by men in the UK this year, and to think of all those affected by violence. Please join me for a peaceful and powerful walk from Richmond to Twickenham as we unite against violence against women and girls."

There will be stopping points along the route to ensure everyone sticks together and to allow any late joiners to participate.

Participants will meet at the Quadrant in Richmond Town Centre by the Christmas tree outside Santander at 5.30pm. They will then walk along George St to Hill St to Bridge St and over Richmond Bridge along Richmond Rd to St Margarets Rd and towards St Margaret's train station.

Walkers will go along Crown Rd towards The Crown pub and re-join Richmond Rd to finish at York House with speeches from Munira Wilson MP and the Leader of the Council.

Tea, coffee and samosas will be provided by NishkamSWAT, a Sikh charity organisation.

Earlier this week, the police reported that a Richmond man has been jailed for two and half years for threatening to kill and causing actual bodily harm to his then partner.

On Monday, a vigil was held on Twickenham Green, organised by the Women's Equality Party. The focal point was the memorial bench for Amélie Delagrange. Amélie was a French tourist visiting Twickenham in 2004 when she was murdered by serial killer Levi Bellfield.

Anthea Sully, Chief Executive of White Ribbon UK, said: "Our call to end violence by raising awareness, educating, and campaigning to bring about change is greatly strengthened by working together with our White Ribbon accredited organisations.

"We are delighted to welcome Richmond Council as one of our White Ribbon Accredited organisations. Together we can prevent violence happening in the first place."