A regional journalist has travelled to Ukraine to help deliver vital aid from his patch.

Colchester Daily Gazette trainee reporter Séamus O’Hanlon joined a group of volunteers, including the Harwich Ukraine Support Project, to help people suffering in the war-torn nation.

Chernihiv’s Maternity Hospital, Essex volunteers including Séamus handed over 10kg carrier cots filled with goods including blankets and nappies to new Ukrainian mothers.

He also visited a bunker underneath the hospital where 137 babies were born during the siege of Chernihiv in April 2022.

Séamus, pictured, wrote in a first-person piece for the Gazette: “Witnessing so much suffering in Ukraine, it is clear to me that there is no greater international priority to Britain, Europe, and the world than providing humanitarian aid to war-torn countries.

“Ukraine is the shining light of the world because while its people defend themselves from Russia they protect.

“Our achievable priority must be to give direct aid to strengthen Ukraine’s spirit and help all its people in need.”