A second convoy of firefighters has left from Kent to provide vital aid to Ukraine.

UK charity Fire Aid and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) have sent engines and equipment to Ukrainian firefighters dealing with fallout from the conflict.

A total of 21 vehicles have started the journey from Ashford to Europe, carrying firefighting equipment from across the country.

Around 100 fire stations and 250 fire engines have been destroyed in Ukraine, with a number of firefighters tragically losing their lives as they battle to protect their country.

Claire Hoyland, project manager of Fire Aid said that the firefighters in the war-stricken country were facing "unimaginable devastation" on the frontlines.

"I speak with our Ukrainian partners and the State Emergency Services almost every day. Equipment is currently being destroyed, damaged, or lost on a huge scale," she said.

"The way in which UK Fire Services and our members have mobilised to support them makes me so proud.

"Ukraine needs our help, and we will continue to offer it as long as we are able to.”

More than 60 UK firefighters have joined Fire Aid volunteers as part of the team driving the vehicles across Europe, where it will be received by the Polish State Fire Service before it is transferred to Ukraine.

Fire engines, helmets, thermal imaging cameras to assist when searching for people, generators, lighting, hoses, rescue equipment and thousands of sets of firefighting PPE are among the items being donated.

The deployment of donations is being supported by funding from the Home Office, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and the FIA Foundation.

It is the second such convoy to leave for the conflict-stricken country in two months, after the first left on March 19.

Home Secretary, Priti Patel, said the "phenomenal" efforts showed "how together we can make a real difference to the lives of the people in Ukraine".

"Our fire and rescue services are going above and beyond to support the effort in Ukraine and I am proud to once again support a convoy of fire service equipment being sent to those in desperate need," she said.

Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council Mark Hardingham said the efforts were "testament to the incredible hard work and determination of everyone who has been involved".

"It really has been a phenomenal effort and to see fire and rescue services, Fire Aid, the sector and NFCC work together to achieve so much in such a short period of time is testament to everyone’s commitment and dedication," he added.

“We continue to see horrific scenes unfold every day and this equipment will go some way to assist our Ukrainian colleagues as they continue with their biggest challenge to date, while putting their own lives at risk, with limited resources.

"Any help UK fire and rescue services can give, will be given gladly."