Hundreds of donations made by generous Canvey residents have finally started their journey to help Ukrainian refugees.

Over a month since they were collected by members of the Canvey Rotary Club at the Knightswick Centre two lorries full to the brim with donations has left the Ford Motor Company’s base in Dagenham on Thursday to be taken to those most in need.

The two vehicles boarded a ferry to Flushing in Holland followed by a journey by road to Cologne. 

The lorries are expected to  arrive in Wroclaw, Poland on Tuesday and Warsaw on Wednesday from where a total of 19.5 tonnes of aid, the equivalent of £150,000 will be handed out.

Anne Earl, president of the club said: “I am immensely proud of the way the community came together in support of the appeal. It has been both heartbreaking and heart-warming. 

“It has also been a privilege to have been partnered with the Ford Motor Company through Stuart Clarke, Castle Point Council and the wider community.”