AID worker John Boast, who is facing child smuggling allegations in Romania, has thanked the people of East Lancashire for their support on the eve of his trial.

The former Great Harwood businessman is due to appear at the beginning of legal proceedings against him in the northern Romanian town of Oradea tomorrow. He has consistently maintained his innocence.

He could face five years imprisonment for an allegation of assisting in the smuggling of a child out of the country.

But today he said his main concerns were not for himself but for the countless people who would lose out if he were convicted. Mr Boast, who has imported more than 400 tons of aid into the Romania, said: "I only came here to help the children. It is the children who would suffer."

He was prevented from leaving Romania after a child was taken out of the country and given to a Yorkshire couple at an M1 service station last year.

He added: "They have absolutely no proof that I have committed any crime, but the Romanian government is embarrassed about the number of people who have smuggled young children out of the country. I could become a scapegoat."

His lawyer has said that tomorrow's hearing will obtain his plea and then be adjourned for four weeks.

Mr Boast added: "I wish this could all end as soon as possible. The support from people in England who know of me and my work has been overwhelming."

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