The Shave Cross Inn landlord and former Royal Marine reservist, who headed to the Ukrainian border with supplies earlier this week, has now crossed the border into Lviv.

Tom Littledyke, aged 31, runs three local businesses – The Shaves Cross Inn near Bridport, and The Shaves Cross Cellar and Antonio's Trattoria in Lyme Regis.

He left the town on Monday to take his 16-seat mini bus full of supplies, including sleeping bags, blankets and children's toys, on a 1,000-mile journey to the Polish border with Ukraine, which is currently under attack from Russia.

On the way he picked up a group of men in Kent who said they wanted to join the fight in support of Ukraine, telling the BBC he would be willing to do the same if necessary. He said he would also offer transport to those who needed it.

Giving an update on social media, Tom's partner Georgia said he has now crossed the border into Ukraine and is currently in Lviv, which has reportedly been overwhelmed by citizens trying to leave the country.

Georgia wrote: "1am this morning, 48 hours after Tom Littledyke and I decided to help in this crisis, he decides he can help best in Lviv, Ukraine.

"If you know Tom, you know how hard it must be for me to explain him but I think what he is doing right now describes him best; brave, big hearted and a little bit crazy.

"He is doing such an amazing job and I couldn't be more proud. Please donate what you can and pray for his safe return."

Tom's courageous efforts have grabbed the attention of the regional and national press, and he has been dubbed the "hero landlord of Dorset".

In a video for BBC Solent, Tom describes feeling terrified as he crosses the Ukraine border to offer supplies and transport.

He has been keeping supporters updated via social media, and posted a video of him in a bomb shelter in Lviv on Wednesday, writing: "I'm with Sophia who is organising and supporting people across Ukraine. They've kindly allowed me into their headquarters and given me lunch and coffee.

"They like the rest of us are confused why war is even happening. Although not unexpected. The people here have all got partners who are off fighting. These soldiers come from any background and have little to no training and have weapons found given to them.

"They have experience though. Sofia's partner fought in 2014 again against Russian military.

"Please spread these images and opinions everywhere. I'm in the least effected and safest part of the Ukraine and people are still awaiting bombs and tanks to come by at any minute.

"The Ukrainian Army is fighting back with incredible effect. We've seen the numbers, weapons, and threats the Russians offer but the Ukrainians are still keeping them back and providing for there country.

"Why won't Russia allow civilians to leave areas and also during peace discussions they continued bombing."

Tom launched an online fundraising page earlier this week with the hope of raising £1,000 for supplies. To date, it has raised more than £11,000 and donations are still being accepted at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/thomas-littledyke to buy supplies and provide aid to those in need in Ukraine.

Tom was inspired to help after seeing images of families and children "broken and separated" by the conflict.

He commented: "Too many times do I say or hear the phrase 'I wish I could do/have done more'. There is always something you can do. Doesn't matter how small as long as it's in the right direction."

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