War in Ukraine: Yorkshire-built armoured ambulances arrive in Lviv

Fourteen of the Yorkshire-built ambulances have arrived in Lviv

The first shipment of ex-British Army vehicles which have been converted by a Yorkshire company into military-grade ambulances has arrived in Ukraine.

Manufacturer Venari Group is transforming dozens of vehicles at its two factories in Goole and Brighouse.

The firm said the vehicles provided "ballistic protection from small arms fire on the front line" and could carry more casualties.

The ambulances were also equipped with run-flat tyres, it said.

The former British Army vehicles are being transformed at two factories in West and East Yorkshire

According to Venari, Ukraine is losing ambulances at a rate of 10 per day.

Company spokesperson Emma Eastwood said: "These vehicles are going into war zones because standard ambulances that shouldn't be shot at are being taken out at every point."

Production began earlier this month after the firm was contacted by Andrew Percy, Conservative MP for Brigg and Goole, and staff at the Ukrainian embassy.

Fourteen of the Yorkshire-built ambulances have since arrived in Lviv.

"To think the design for these ambulances didn't exist until a few weeks ago - all of that has been achieved through force of will here by all of the guys on the ground," Mr Percy said.

The new ambulances are "designed to carry greater numbers of casualties", the firm says

Venari Group CEO Oliver North said: "As the UK's oldest and largest ambulance builder, we truly feel it is our duty to deliver on this project, with as much passion, precision, and speed as we possibly can."

Funding for the project has come from a number of wealthy Ukrainian businessmen and UK-based blue chip organisations.