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A Knaresborough man will drive to Ukraine later this month to deliver two fire engines.

Bob Frendt, who is in his 70s, began his humanitarian work just over 18 months ago after the war between Ukraine and Russia began.

He said:

“I saw it on the TV when it started and saw the conditions these people were living in.

“I said to my wife ‘I can’t just sit here; I need to do something to help’.”

He is now preparing to make his ninth trip to the city of Volodymyr.

The Mayor of Volodymyr requested Mr Frendt, who is a retired truck driver, to supply the community with a fire engine after the original one was taken for use in Kyiv.

Bob Frendt’s fire engine.

He has held several fundraising events to pay for the £24,000 fire engine, including quiz nights and choir concerts, but said he has not worked out the total amount raised yet.

A company also donated a second vehicle to Mr Frendt after hearing about his venture.

He will be joined by his wife Maureen and two other passengers along the way.

The group will set off on Friday, October 27 at 2pm, from Aldi car park in Knaresborough.

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