A FORMER front-line fire engine is due to leave later this month as part of a convoy of vehicles delivering emergency aid to war-torn Ukraine.

Dales-based charity Fast Aid Support and Transport (FAST) joined forces with Skipton Craven Rotary Club at Skipton Morrison’s supermarket over the bank holiday weekend with the fire engine telling people what they plan to do, and the work they have already carried out.

They were also there to raise funds to help get the fire engine, bought by FAST from the now disbanded Haworth Fire Cadets, and the other vehicles, including an articulated lorry, over to Ukraine.

Mechanic, and former rally driver, John Midgley, from Grassington, who set up FAST, said: “The front line fire engine created quite a stir on the customer car park and attracted lots of families as children were able to sit in the driver’s seat and have their photographs taken.

“We were blessed with fine weather throughout the two days so it made the visit to the supermarket more of a treat for the children than most shopping trips usually are.”

There will be another chance to see the fire engine on Saturday, June 24, in Grassington, ahead of a fundraising concert at Grassington Town Hall.

The concert, with bar, will feature local singers Callum Spencer and Lucas Watts. Concert-goers will also be able to bid for donated prizes in the interval, including holidays in the Dales and in Scotland and a track day in a classic rally car.

It is hoped that the fire engine will also be on display at Skipton Sheep Day on Sunday, June 25 before heading off shortly afterwards to Ukraine.

The convoy will include a number of 4x4 vehicles, a 4x4 ambulance and an articulated lorry, carrying 25 tonnes of aid. The round-journey will take at least a week.

Mr Midgley, who will be driving one of the vehicles over to Ukraine, said: “We would like to thank all the helpers who made the event at Morrison’s such a success, last but by no means least we want to thank the management at Morrison’s supermarkets who have given us this opportunity and who have generously helped Rotary to support both local and international communities over the years.”

Tickets to the concert at Grassington Town Hall on June 24 are £10 from www.ticketsource.co.uk/grassingtonhub/t-qjzmdyq or via Grassington Hub.

Donations can also be made via John Midgley’s Just Giving page at: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/fastaidsupporttransport