Clevedon firefighters return after convoy to Ukraine

Left to right: Jordon Beer, Martyn Bolt, Ross Larner, Jon Parker, Paul Lippiatt and Tony Miller

Firefighters who were involved in a fifth convoy to Ukraine have returned home.

Avon Fire and Rescue Service joined its first convoy by sending two former fire engines and six members of staff on the journey.

The members of the convoy transported essential kit and medical equipment to aid firefighters in Ukraine.

Ross Larner, a firefighter from Clevedon Fire Station, said there was a "great sense of camaraderie".

The six firefighters embarked on their five-day journey from Avonmouth to the Ukrainian border in Poland on 2 May.

Prior to leaving the country, they met with other members of the convoy from around the UK.

Mr Larner said the journey was "more tiring than any of us expected”

In total, 25 vehicles and 80 crew members transported 8,000 pieces of equipment across the continent.

Mr Larner said the team were told that more than 70 men had been killed on the front line and more than 350 fire stations and 1,500 trucks had been destroyed as a result of the conflict.

He added that although the convoy was not directly helping, their donations would help keep civilians safe.

The convoy travelled for five days to the Ukrainian border

Mr Larner said he and his colleagues felt a "great sense of achievement" when they met the Polish and Ukrainian fire services at the border.

"You do get very run down and tired and it's not the greatest conditions to be in, but it is worth it - and it's nothing compared to what the Ukrainians are going through", he added.

'Quite privileged'

Mr Larner said that he would "definitely" be open to joining a similar scheme in the future.

The convoy team handed the equipment over near the Ukrainian border

"I feel quite privileged to have had the experience," he said.

"A few people have been on previous convoys which is a testament to what a good experience it is."

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