TRUCKS carrying vital aid to the Ukraine were loaded yesterday in preparation for the mercy mission.

The GMB union has organised the relief project to Chernobyl, to deliver much-needed goods to the area, which is still suffering from the effects of nuclear fallout.

Volunteers taking part will visit hospitals, schools and an orphanage to deliver medical supplies as well as bags of food, clothing, toiletries and other essentials donated by local companies.

The trip is being supported by Easington District Council, the City of Sunderland Council, Newcastle City Council, Durham County Council and vehicle hire company Burnt Tree, which has donated the vans for the trip.

Councillor Robin To dd, deputy leader of Easington council, was on hand to help pack the last of the items onto the trucks yesterday, at the authority's offices in Seaside Lane.

The convoy will set off on its journey on Monday. It will take about two weeks for the volunteers to deliver the aid and return to the UK.