AN ambulance full of medical equipment purchased by a project in aid of Ukraine has visited Harwich.

It was an opportunity for residents and donors involved in the Harwich Ukraine Support Project to see what their generous donations had bought before they were sent to Moldova.

The ambulance was greeted by a large crowd of supporters at Ha'Penny Pier including several newly arrived Ukrainian families with their sponsors.

A spokesperson for the project said: “Tony Elliston, chairperson of the Harwich Cultural and Community Projects where our project is based gave a short speech.

“Harwich councillor Geoff Smith also gave a speech following which the ambulance was blessed.”

The ambulance will be based at a hospital close to the Ukraine border where it will be used to bring the sick to safety.

Donations have come from several sources including Asda, Harwich Museum, schools and shops and residents.

Harwich Village Homes also provided a much-needed sponsorship and a large group of volunteers worked behind the scenes to launch this project.

The Harwich Ukraine Support Project has collaborated with Essex-based charity TEECH who works exclusively within Moldova.

The ambulance left Harwich by ferry on Sunday, June 19 driven by Mr Elliston and volunteer Paul Lear.