Volunteers take emergency vehicles to The Gambia

The five West Mercia police officers set off on Thursday

A team of five police officers from West Mercia Police have volunteered to help drive 25 unwanted emergency vehicles to The Gambia.

They will join 60 other volunteers taking them across Europe and Africa.

The disused but reconditioned vehicles have all been brought together by the Emergency Services Aid Charity.

One of the five, Insp Dan Poucher who is also treasurer of the charity, took part in a similar aid mission in 2022 and said it was "one of the most humbling experiences of my life".

“When we arrived, people were lining the streets in tears - so grateful of the gift of fire engines and ambulances to help them provide an emergency response in their communities." he added.

"I’ve no doubt the people of The Gambia will once again be extremely grateful to receive these disused emergency vehicles.”

Insp Poucher will travel with sergeants Rob "Swoosh" Seewoosaha and Kayley Perkins, and constables Chris Fowler and Danny Evans.

The charity has been fundraising to support the trip, which set off from Worcestershire on Thursday.

The West Mercia group had to raise £6,000 towards the journey which included PC Fowler and Sgt Seewoosaha trekking in full protective kit over the Malvern Hills in June.

The 3,000 mile journey is expected to take two weeks and the team are due to fly back on 25 September.