Aid from Dorchester will today be put to use in Ukraine.

Retired county town optician Paul Wallis and his brother in law, Jorj Kowszun from Eastbourne, whose parents were refugees from Poland in the Second World War, have driven a 7.5 tonne lorry to the Polish/Ukraine border.

The vehicle was loaded at Hurn Airport in Bournemouth, where donated items from throughout Dorset have been collected, including items from the Prince of Wales School in Dorchester.

The supplies include a medical operating microscope for use in a Ukraine hospital and hospital mattresses for children, other medical items, and sleeping bags.

The two men were given a curfew pass for Wednesday night to be able to unload on the Poland-Ukraine border for the items then be carried on into Ukraine to where they are most needed.

"It's been a fantastic trip so far – every time you mention Ukraine doors just open," said Paul after a stop over in a cheap hotel near Hanover to break their two-day outwards journey.

"All the stuff from the Prince of Wales School has been boxed and palletted up. So far the Bournemouth Polish community has sent out around 276 pallets, another 500 to go, and stuff is still pouring in. Clothes, sanitary products, medical supplies, batteries, pet food…you name it," said Mr Wallis.

He said that the hire of the lorry and its travel costs had been financed from donations, with Stenaline offering the ferry trip to and from Harwich to the Hook of Holland without charge.

Mr Wallis said that he was touched that every time he explained what he was doing people were keen to help: "Including a lovely man in a Bournemouth jewellers who gave me a free battery for my watch when I said I was off to Poland," (pictured).

Back in Dorchester collections continue every Tuesday from 4pm to 5pm at the Prince of Wales School with volunteers being visited by the mayor and mayoress of Dorchester, Gareth and Anne Jones, the first couple thanking the helpers and those who have made donations over recent weeks.

Among the organisers is Dorchester town councillor Janet Hewitt who says she has been "blown away" by people's generosity.

"Nothing goes to waste but we are now asking for specific items which can help. We sort it here, pack it up and it gets driven to Bournemouth where it is worked out what is needed to go where," she said.

Items now needed include medicines such as paracetamol and anti inflammatory drugs, calpol for children, warm clothing for adults and children, sleeping bags, nappies, baby bottles and milk formula, batteries and torches, children's sweets and items such as colouring books, crayons, pencils and small toys.

"Sadly we have to say we will be continuing this indefinitely at the moment," said Mrs Hewitt.