A VAN stuffed with hundreds of teddies is on its way to Ukrainian children escaping the war in their country.

The soft toys, including bears, dogs and penguins, have been collected by communities across Oxfordshire, including Chipping Norton.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service reported the teddies are now on their way to Fire Aid, to be given to Ukrainian children.

Cotswold Journal: Picture: Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue ServicePicture: Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service

The charity is also leading donations of fire and rescue equipment, and PPE, from across the UK.

Oxfordshire’s fire service posted online: “A huge thanks go to the communities of Didcot, Wheatley, Thame, Oxford, Faringdon, Burford, Bicester, Banbury, Kidlington, Deddington and Chipping Norton for their enormous generosity.

“Our vehicle is full and on its way.”

Updates on the delivery of the teddies will be provided in due course.