Torbay helps Ukrainian people battle Russian invaders - with fishing nets

Under-siege Ukrainians are being given a helping hand defending themselves against their Russian invaders - in the form of Brixham fishing nets.

It’s a new and unique way of recycling the redundant nets.

The Brixham Future initiative helps prevent nets being  abandoned at sea with costs to  disposal on land high.

A local spokesperson from Brixham Future CIC, which has delivered several vehicles of aid to Ukraine, says it is a ‘beneficial’ of recycling.

He added: “We are pleased to say that four dumpy bags of nets were collected from Brixham harbour last week thanks to local fishermen and Torbay harbour authorities.

“The nets will be extremely useful on the ground as anti-drone netting and camouflaging.  

“The team at the harbour were very accommodating. We hope that there will now be a regular supply.”

Brixham has forged close links with Ukraine since the war began.

There has even been a call for the Bay to form  twinning links with the people of the war-torn country.

An aid convoy from Brixham only recently took vital supplies to the country ravaged by Putin's Russian army.

Eight local Brixham volunteer driver 'heroes' Jonathan Parr (Team Leader), Richard Parr, Peter Plummer, Chris Kennedy, Roger Ames, Daniel Adamski, Rich Rubensaat and Sean Castle returned safely home before Christmas after travelling 1,000 miles-plus across Europe to successfully deliver over 3,000 kilogrammes of urgent medical and humanitarian supplies in six vehicles, including two ambulances to Ukraine.

The convoy and community spirit in the port which made it happen with a hugely successful fund-raising campaign has been the prompt for the twinning idea.

The idea has not so far been progressed but Torbay Council leader Dave Thomas has told the volunteers: “Thank you to everyone involved in this remarkable humanitarian effort - your work brings enormous credit to Brixham and to the whole of Torbay."