A former haulage contractor who set up a charitable trust has donated 100 vehicles to a range of charities, scout groups, schools, and other organisations.

Mike Humphrey, who lives in Croxley Green, set up West Herts Charity Trust following the closure of his HGV training centre in Watford.

Mr Humphrey decided the rent from the building should be used to supply vans and minibuses to deserving causes - and the 100th vehicle was donated to a charity which has delivered more than 24,000 items of food to families during the pandemic.

Restore Hope, based in Chesham, have been working flat out to buy, collect, grow, cook and deliver fresh nutritious food, but the charity had some struggles with delivery.

Mr Humphrey said: "Restore Hope seemed to be the ideal candidates for our one hundredth vehicle. I know they will use it well and local families facing extremely tough circumstances will benefit.

"I suppose that its one charity helping another."

Watford Observer:

Joanna and Graham Wakeman load the new van. Credit: Paul Upward

Restore Hope director, Graham Wakeman, said: "We can’t thank Mike and his charity enough for the van which is going to make a massive difference to our ability to support local families.

"It is a special honour to receive the 100th vehicle. It’s been such a tough time for children and families and from what we’ve seen on doorsteps through lockdown, families have been suffering in ways that many of us wouldn’t want to even imagine.

"Our new van will enable us to deliver food and hope to many more families in an ongoing time of crisis. However, it will also be the catalyst to invite families back to the beautiful old farm estate where we are based.

"Here they can find community and support and access training in a wide range of practical areas, life skills, parenting and personal development. Our heart is that children, young people and parents will be equipped to fulfil their potential and use their gifts and skills to bring hope to those around them."