A MISSION to take a fire engine from North Yorkshire to the people of Kabul has set off on its long journey.
John Shackleton and his crew stopped off in Parliament Street, York, after starting their 5,000-mile trek from Harrogate to the war-torn capital of Afghanistan, where he will hand over the keys of the vehicle.
Mr Shackleton, from Harrogate, bought the H-registered engine to take a message of goodwill from the people of North Yorkshire.
Backed by the Rotary Club of Harrogate, Mr Shackleton is being accompanied by a co-driver and members of a television team who are filming a documentary.
John Tyreman, Rotary Club president, said: "John and his crew know the enormous risks they are taking, the dangerous and hostile countries that they must pass through and they have immense faith. They will succeed."
The Rotary Club has spent the last two months raising funds to speed Mr Shackleton and his team on their way.
Updated: 11:18 Thursday, April 18, 2002
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article