MID AND WEST WALES FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE has helped deliver a major convoy of firefighting vehicles and equipment to Ukraine, four years on from the start of the full-scale Russian invasion.

The latest convoy, the ninth of its kind, left the UK on Monday, 29 June and reached the Polish border with Ukraine on Thursday, 2 July, where vehicles and equipment were handed over to Ukrainian partners.

The operation was sponsored by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and FIRE AID, and delivered through a national partnership involving National Resilience, the National Fire Chiefs Council, UK International Search and Rescue, and fire and rescue services from across England and Wales.

The convoy delivered 21 fire vehicles, including 17 fire engines, as well as more than 2,300 pieces of essential firefighting equipment. The donations will help replace critical resources lost during the war.

Since 2022, the UK fire and rescue community has donated 169 vehicles and more than 220,000 pieces of equipment to Ukraine.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service was represented on the convoy by Watch Manager Robert Kershaw.

He said: “I am incredibly proud of our Service’s commitment to supporting the charity and helping get vital aid to Ukraine.

“This mission holds a very special place in my heart, as my family hosted a Ukrainian family for a year, who we now consider our own.

“Knowing the impact of this conflict first-hand makes me even more grateful to work alongside colleagues who are dedicated to helping Ukrainian emergency services protect lives.”

Previous donations from UK fire and rescue services are already making a significant difference on the ground. Vehicles delivered through earlier convoys have responded to more than 6,000 incidents, while more than 2,500 Ukrainian firefighters have been equipped with fully operational PPE and breathing apparatus.

Ukrainian fire and rescue services continue to face severe pressure. According to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, 481 fire stations have been destroyed, with a further 106 in occupied territories. A total of 1,792 fire vehicles have also been lost.

Since the full-scale invasion began, 122 firefighters have been killed and 629 injured, with three still in captivity. The figures were correct as of 22 June 2026.

Despite these losses, Ukrainian firefighters continue to work on the frontline, saving lives, protecting infrastructure and responding to emergencies while under constant threat.

Around 80 volunteers from across the UK fire and rescue community took part in the convoy, giving their time to prepare, drive and deliver the appliances and equipment.

Fire and rescue services involved included Derbyshire, Essex, Hampshire, Hereford and Worcester, Kent, Lancashire, London, Merseyside, Mid and West Wales, North Wales, North Yorkshire, South Wales, South Yorkshire, Staffordshire, Surrey, West Midlands and West Yorkshire.

National Fire Chiefs Council Chair Phil Garrigan said: “The UK Fire and Rescue community remains unwavering in its support for colleagues in Ukraine.

“Four years on from the start of the full-scale invasion, Ukrainian firefighters continue to operate in the most challenging and dangerous conditions imaginable.

“This ninth convoy demonstrates the enduring commitment of UK fire and rescue services to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Ukrainian counterparts.

“The equipment being donated will help replace vital resources lost during the conflict and ensure firefighters can continue their life-saving work.

“This is about firefighters supporting firefighters. It is a powerful example of friendship that transcends borders.

“It is crucial we recognise the challenges our colleagues face and that we continue to play our part.”

FIRE AID Ukraine Lead Oksana Romanukha said: “We are once again seeing the extraordinary solidarity of communities right across the UK with Ukraine.

“These vehicles and equipment are lifelines, helping to save lives, protect firefighters and strengthen the resilience of communities under constant threat.

“We are deeply grateful to everyone across the fire and rescue community, and all those involved, who have made this collective effort possible.”

Minister for Building Safety, Fire and Democracy Samantha Dixon said: “Ukraine has faced unimaginable suffering, and we remain unwavering in our support.

“This convoy will deliver the critical equipment needed to help Ukraine’s Fire Service save lives, respond to attacks and protect their communities.

“I’m proud of the brave volunteers from across our Fire and Rescue Service, as well as all the organisations which have played a role in mobilising these vital assets, making sure support reaches those who need it most.”

A CARMARTHENSHIRE man has been remanded in custody after admitting a series of offences including assault occasioning actual bodily harm, affray, and criminal damage to a Dyfed-Powys Police vehicle.

Justin Thomas, 33, of no fixed abode, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Monday, July 6.

Thomas admitted assaulting Kayleigh Marshall in Llanelli on June 27, 2025, causing her actual bodily harm.

He also admitted criminal damage following an incident in Llanelli on June 7, 2026, when a police vehicle belonging to Dyfed-Powys Police was damaged.

On the same date, Thomas was further charged with affray, after using or threatening unlawful violence towards others in conduct which would have caused a person of reasonable firmness present at the scene to fear for their safety.

He also admitted damaging a window and property fixtures belonging to Phillip’s Lane Ltd.

Magistrates committed Thomas to Swansea Crown Court for sentence, ruling that their sentencing powers were insufficient.

He was remanded in custody ahead of his next hearing, which is due to take place at Swansea Crown Court on Monday, July 27.

Court records state that bail was refused due to the nature and seriousness of the offences, his previous record and character, and concerns that he was likely to offend.

The court also noted that Thomas was subject to a conditional discharge for assaulting a police constable at the time the latest offences were committed.

Dr Madeleine Havard re-elected as Chair as key committee positions are agreed

PEMBROKESHIRE COAST NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY has confirmed its Chair, Deputy Chair and key Development Management Committee roles following its Annual General Meeting.

Dr Madeleine Havard has been re-elected as Chair of the Authority, with Cllr Claire George continuing as Deputy Chair.

Cllr Dr Simon Hancock has also been re-elected as Chair of the Authority’s Development Management Committee, with John Hogg MBE confirmed as Deputy Chair of that committee.

The appointments were agreed by Members at a meeting of the National Park Authority held on Wednesday, June 24.

The Authority is made up of 18 Members. Twelve are county councillors appointed by Pembrokeshire County Council, while six are appointed by the Welsh Government.

Together, they oversee the work of the Authority and make decisions on matters affecting the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Dr Havard said: “It is an honour and a privilege to continue serving as Chair of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

“Our National Park is one of Wales’ most treasured landscapes, and the Authority has an important role in protecting it for future generations while supporting the communities who live and work here.

“I look forward to continuing to work with all Members, staff, partners and local communities as we respond to the opportunities and challenges facing the National Park.”

Cllr Dr Simon Hancock said he was pleased to continue as Chair of the Development Management Committee, which considers planning matters within the National Park.

He said: “The Committee’s work requires careful judgement, balancing the need to conserve and enhance this special landscape with the needs of local people.

“I look forward to continuing to work with fellow Members and officers in carrying out this responsibility.”

Members spend an average of two days a month on formal committee business, as well as representing the Park Authority at a range of formal and informal events.

These include Welsh Government-related meetings, workshops and seminars, formal launches, and presentations by the Authority and partner organisations.

The current Members of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority are: Cllr Maureen Bowen, Cllr Di Clements, Ms Fiona Day, Cllr Claire George, Dr Madeleine Havard, Ms Helen Gwenllian, Mr John Hogg MBE, Sarah Hoss, Cllr Dr Simon Hancock MBE, Cllr Mike James, Mr Gwynn Angell Jones, Cllr Huw Murphy, Cllr Bethan Price, Cllr Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, Cllr Anji Tinley, Cllr Vanessa Thomas, Cllr Chris Williams BEM and Cllr Michael Williams.

Caption:

Dr Madeleine Havard, Cllr Claire George, Cllr Dr Simon Hancock and John Hogg MBE have been confirmed in key leadership roles following Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s Annual General Meeting.