A CONVOY carrying the largest donation to date of fire and rescue vehicles and equipment for Ukraine has begun its journey - and Cumbria firefighters have joined the effort.

The government has worked with the National Fire Chiefs’ Council and Fire and Rescue Services across England and Wales to donate 21 fire and rescue vehicles and more than 8,000 items of life-saving equipment.

The first leg of the humanitarian aid convoy departed Liverpool, host of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Ukraine, yesterday morning (Tuesday, May 2) to honour the link between the competition and the country that won it in 2022.

It is expected to arrive in Poland on Friday, May 5, where the donation will be handed to the head of Ukraine’s Fire and Rescue Services.

Fire Minister Chris Philp said: “I am immensely proud of our continued contributions to support Ukrainians on the frontline and of our fantastic colleagues from fire and rescue services who have volunteered to ensure the convoy’s safe passage.

“Putin’s barbaric invasion of Ukraine has decimated so many lives and has left fire and rescue services in the country with minimal equipment. Putin is deliberately targeting civilians and civilian buildings in Ukraine so it is essential we do everything within our power to help them.”

Fire and rescue vehicles, helmets, generators, lighting, hoses, rescue equipment and thousands of sets of firefighting PPE are among the items being transported by 17 fire and rescue services across England and Wales.

Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council Mark Hardingham said: "Firefighters on the frontline in Ukraine are in desperate need of equipment as the war continues to devastate the country. This fifth convoy means fire and rescue services have now donated 86 fire engines and more than 100,000 items of kit.

“The determination and pride of all involved is testament to how committed everyone is to getting help to where it is needed."

Around 80 firefighters volunteered to help this effort, including driving the vehicles to the Polish border where it will be distributed to areas of Ukraine that need it.

This is just one of the many events being held across Liverpool to honour people from Ukraine as the city prepares to host the song contest this month.