A FIRE engine from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service set off for eastern Europe in the early hours of Tuesday, May 3 to support firefighters working on the frontline in Ukraine.

The fire appliance is being donated to Ukrainian firefighters after a call to support the war effort came from the Home Office and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC).

A team of three firefighters from the Service have set off on their six-day journey and will reach their destination in Poland on Monday, May 9.

The fire appliance is also carrying equipment that will be used to support firefighters, emergency services and volunteers who are battling together on the front line.

Stuart Millington, assistant chief fire officer, said: “We are pleased to be able to offer this fire appliance to support firefighters in the Ukraine.

"Many fire stations and fire appliances have already been destroyed in the war.

"This vehicle was about to be replaced here in North Wales, and we are pleased to be able to support in this way and donate a fully functional fire appliance to the firefighters of Ukraine.”

“I am immensely proud of and would like to thank our staff who are working hard behind the scenes to prepare the vehicle and equipment for departure, but also of the crew who will be driving through Europe to Poland to deliver the vehicle."