A BUILDER and a paramedic from the Taunton area are supporting the Ukrainian refugee efforts on the ground in Poland.

Graeme Monks, 56, who lives near Norton Fitzwarren, drove over with a van load of clothes and donations at the end of last week.

Graeme, who owns GM Interiors and Exteriors, is funding the trip over and his stay in a hotel while he helps with the building of a refugee camp.

Meanwhile, paramedic practitioner Przemek Pioterek, who lives in Taunton and works in Somerset Minor Injuries Units with Graeme's partner Penny Cotton, is assisting injured Ukrainians arriving in Poland.

Graeme, a former soldier and Taunton firefighter, has been at a refugee camp in Krakow with his best friend Ian Stacey.

"This is not tent city, it’s the upper floor of a disused shopping mall and the intention is that people are held here for no more than a few days until a more permanent place is found for them," said Graeme, who is helping with the Integrated Rescue Service.

"It’s dry, warm and clean it has all the facilities for its purpose. Very impressive how this has been put together in such a short space of and an excellent use of resources.

"I will be staying over here a little while longer and very much look forward to the challenges that will bring and giving the help that I can offer."

Penny plans to fly out to join Graeme in Poland, where he says the organisation of the aid for the Ukrainian refugees is magnificent.

She said: "Graeme said to me last week, 'I've got to do something for these Ukrainian people, whether it's taking up a rifle or going out and doing something.

"When our friends heard, they brought round lots of clothes to our house to donate.

"Graeme says donations of money are needed for the refugee camp.

"They've got everything they need such as clothes and food, so if anyone wants to help, please give money instead."

The Mayor of Przemysl, who Graeme has got to know, is telling people to stay away from the Ukraine border as attempting to enter the country would have "a very negative impact" on the situation.

If you wish to donate e-mail graemejmonks@hotmail.co.uk or cottonpenny3@gmail.com