Mike Bamford has set off to drive a bus 1,250 miles to take aid to the Ukraine.

The 56-year-old, of Eldwick, pictured, is one of 16 volunteers taking part in the 14-day trip to the deprived city of Uzghorod.

During the trip he will be taking it in turns to drive one of five buses in a convoy with three lorries across Europe, to deliver 25 tonnes of much-needed supplies to schools, orphanages and hospitals.

"It's something I've never done before and I'm excited about the adventure that lies ahead of me," said the retired commercial manager for Yorkshire Electricity before he set off.

The vehicles are delivering hydraulic hospital beds, an industrial washing machine, three fridges and hundreds of syringes and swabs.

Damart in Bingley has donated clothes and bedding.

The trip was organised with Rotary International, which has forged links with the Rotary Club of Uzhorod.

Mr Bamford raised £1,500 through a Bingley Airedale Rot-ary Club concert by the Kings College singers, the Eldwick panto, Eldwick Meth-odist Church and personal donations.

"I've heard some stories about the level of poverty over there and people say to me it's such a fantastic thing that I'm doing, but to me it's just something I'm doing with my life," said Mr Bamford.