A RESPECTED charity boss has backed a Blackburn man accused of raping Albanian orphans, saying: "I would stake my life on him being innocent."

Supporters, including senior church figures, have rallied together over the case of Dino Christodoulou, 44, claiming he has been set up'. The Rev Bernard Cocker, who runs the International Aid Trust (IAT), based in Much Hoole, near Preston, said his former colleague was a "man of integrity".

Christodoulou, who has a track record over a number of years of working for good causes, was arrested in Blackburn last month. He and Robin Arnold, 55, were working as helpers at the His Children refuge in Tirana, where it is alleged they raped and sexually abused six victims aged between six and 13. Christodoulou has since launched a fight against extradition to the eastern European country.

Mr Cocker, who stressed the IAT had no role in the running of the Albania orphanage, said: "The management and staff at IAT fully support Dino in his fight to clear his name from what we truly believe to be malicious and totally false allegations.

"I have known Dino, both as a friend and recent employee, for close on 16 years and have always found him to be totally honest and trustworthy.

"He is both an inspiration and encouragement to all who meet him and I only wish we had more people of his calibre working with us.

"I would stake my life on him being innocent. We are looking forward to these allegations being dropped and Dino returning to the people who need, love and trust him.

Gerald Norcross, pastor at Colne Gospel Fellowship and chair of Colne Churches Together, is also supporting the Justice for Dino campaign.

Mr Norcross, from Feniscowles, Blackburn, said: "I have known Dino 18 years and have never been as convinced of a man's innocence." A third man, David Brown, 56, who is said to have set up the home, has been arrested in Albania on suspicion of involvement in the alleged sex abuse.

Christodoulou, a former social therapy nurse in Blackburn, sold off his possessions before heading out to Albania in 2002. Friends say the born-again Christian returned to Blackburn three years ago when the allegations first came to light.

A police spokesman said: "A joint investigation involving the Lancashire Constabulary and Alban-ian law enforcement authorities is ongoing."

Christodoulou has been remanded in custody. A date for the full extradition hearing will be set later this month.