A 'mega convoy' of 15 fire engines heading from Kent to Ukraine with vital equipment is making 'good progress'.

UK charity Fire Aid and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) sent an initial delivery to the country on last Friday, March 11.

The convoy leaving Ashford Video: Kent Fire and Rescue

Yesterday (Saturday) a second convoy, consisting of 22 vehicles carrying 5,000 pieces of equipment donated by fire services across the UK, left Ashford at 8am.

Today the charity said in a Tweet: "Wishing a good morning to our volunteers and everyone who has supported our convoy.

"Making good progress on the way to Poland."

More than 60 volunteers are taking the convoy to Poland and then to Ukraine.

It is expected to take three days to reach Poland. When it arrives in Ukraine, the equipment will support emergency services and replace old and worn out equipment to protect lives, people and property.

The 22-strong convoy includes 15 fire engines, an incident response unit, a hydraulic rescue platform, mechanical support for the journey and two lorries containing equipment such as thermal imaging cameras, generators, lighting, hoses, and thousands of sets of personal protection equipment (PPE).

Claire Hoyland, project manager at Fire Aid who is based in Whitstable, said: “We’re calling this a mega convoy as it is not only mega in size but it has been a truly monumental effort from all involved.

"Within two weeks we have put together the biggest ever donation of aid from UK Fire and Rescue services.

"I am so proud of everyone involved and so grateful for the support of our project partners along with many others who have contributed time, money, and assistance."

Mark Hardingham, who chairs the National Fire Chiefs Council, added: "To see the convoy of fire vehicles start its journey was incredibly humbling. Every firefighter and volunteer involved should be immensely proud of how their amazing work is making this a reality.

"This firefighting kit will soon be with Ukrainian emergency services, helping our firefighter colleagues save lives and protect their local communities, often while under devastating attacks."

'This is our sector at its very best'

He continued: "This is our sector at its very best, selflessly working together and supporting one other, ultimately helping and hoping to save lives.”

The latest information is that the convoy had a smooth crossing across the English Channel with no delays and is well on its way.

Emma Maclennan, Fire Aid's deputy chairman and also director general of the Eastern Alliance for Safe and Sustainable Transport who is based in Tenterden, said: "They are being welcomed and assisted by fellow fire and rescue services across Europe."

Fire Aid has more than 25 years of experience of responding to requests for aid and support for emergency services in more than 50 countries.

Following the invasion of Ukraine, members immediately mobilised to gather equipment and aid to donate to their Ukrainian counterparts. They have been working in partnership with the Ukrainian emergency services since 2012.