Torbay is being urged to form twinning links with the people of the war-torn Ukraine.
The suggestion comes after a successful aid convoy from Brixham which 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 have returned safely home 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 left Brixham on November 6 from the port after an overwhelming emotional send off by supporters, family and friends of the drivers, and hundreds of local volunteers who had been fundraising, collecting, sorting and storing items of essential supplies.
A spokesperson for Brixham Future CIC, who helped to oversee the mission, said: "The convoy's departure during Remembrance Week reminded everyone that Freedom is not Free, and Ukraine is now in its fourth year of intensive war, along its 800 mile front line.
"Both residential and life support infrastructure such as power stations, hospitals, schools and homes are being regularly bombed, by vastly numerical Russian forces, creating substantial carnage.
"Our eight local heroes delivered critical medical supplies, including antibiotics, first responder trauma kit bags and other items to help relieve the pain and suffering of the injured. Over 50 wheelchairs, hundreds of crutches, and essential items were delivered. This included personal hygiene items, and warm clothing to help cope with the Ukrainian winter, when temperatures often fall to minus 20 degrees.
"We are glad that our local volunteers have returned safely to Brixham and their loved ones after such a dangerous journey. They are true local heroes and should be recognised as such."
They added: "The generosity of the Brixham community generated over £40,000 - an amazing fundraising record, in just four months.
"Many people undertook volunteering opportunities including local donation collections, sorting, cleaning, and storing much neededsupplies etc. Further volunteering opportunities were generated with purchase of a fleet of six vehicles. These were then upgraded to be driven across Europe by the eight volunteers.
"The paperwork as always was enormous, but again volunteers responded as required. There was no shortage of local people willing to help. It shows that volunteering is not dead in Brixham. We just need to generate different , diverse opportunities for people to contribute."
The Brixham CIC said: "As Brixham is part of Torbay, surely Torbay Council would consider some way of recognising the amazing achievement of these individuals and the hundreds of local supporters who helped make this convoy such a success? It brings enormous credit to Torbay, attracting considerable media attention. Perhaps Torbay Council would consider twinning with Sumy in Ukraine, where the medical supplies were delivered?"
Cllr Thomas thanked the CIC for 'sharing this incredible update' and added: "Please pass on my heartfelt thanks and congratulations to all those involved - not just the eight volunteer drivers who made the 1,000-mile journey, but also the many local residents, businesses, and community groups who gave their time, money, and effort to make it happen.
"To have raised over £40,000 and delivered more than 3,000 KG of vital medical and humanitarian aid is an extraordinary achievement and something that everyone connected with Brixham should feel immensely proud of.
"It’s a wonderful reflection of the generosity and compassion that exists across Torbay, and it once again demonstrates how our communities come together when others are in need. I am delighted to hear that all of the volunteers have returned home safely, and I join you in recognising them as true local heroes."
As far as twinning goes, Cllr Thomas said: "You mentioned the idea of Torbay twinning with Sumy in Ukraine. It’s a thoughtful suggestion, and I completely understand the spirit behind it. Torbay already has established twinning relationships - for example, with Hamelin in Germany and Hellevoetsluis in the Netherlands - but in recent years these links have become much less active.
"Experience has shown that while twinning can be a great way to build international friendship, it requires significant ongoing resources, commitment, and two-way exchanges to deliver real benefits. That can often be challenging for both councils involved, especially in the current financial climate."
But he was quick to add: "That said, I very much appreciate the sentiment behind your suggestion, and I’d be happy for our officers to explore whether there might be alternative ways for Torbay or local community groups to show support or build informal links with Sumy or similar areas in Ukraine in the future. Once again, thank you to everyone involved in this remarkable humanitarian effort - your work brings enormous credit to Brixham and to the whole of Torbay."
The convoy vehicles were filled with medical and humanitarian Aid for Ukraine. They were driven through France, Belgium, Germany and Poland over four days, before handing over the vehicles to the Ukrainians to go on the front line.
