A DARWEN firefighter is to help rebuild a nursery school for children whose lives have been shattered by Bosnia's civil war.

Terry Ashworth will join 15 other firefighters who are flying to Zagreb on Monday to start their mercy mission.

Mr Ashworth, 38, who has worked at Darwen Fire Station for 18 years, said: "The team needed a plumber so I volunteered. The kindergarten we will refurbish was used as a refugee collection centre during the war.

"It is going to be an interesting experience and I am happy to use my skills to make the building fit for children to use again."

The two-week expedition is being funded by the charity War On Want and the men will spend much of their time in Mosnik, which suffered heavy shelling during the fighting.

County Councillor Bob Clark, the county's fire service and public protection committee chairman, said: "This project is more than just rebuilding a kindergarten - it will give them space to learn to play again, to try to forget the war and to heal their psychological wounds."

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