VILLAGERS from a small community in Romania couldn't wait to see Councillor Keith Deakin on his latest visit to the country which is so close to his heart.

For they wanted to thank him and the people of St Helens for helping to get a water supply to their homes.

For the last 13 years, the residents of just seven homes in Buhusi have walked two kilometres in all weathers to collect water. But now, thanks to the generosity of the people of St Helens, after an appeal by Councillor Deakin who discovered their plight earlier this year, they have water on tap.

Following Councillor Deakin's appeal for funds, children at three local schools -- Queens Park, Richard Evans and St Cuthberts -- held a number of fund-raising events and members of the public also made donations, totalling £1,700 to cover the cost of the installation of the water pipes.

Talking about his most recent visit to Buhusi, following the installation of the water pipes, Councillor Deakin, said: "It was a really humbling experience going back to Buhusi and to see the look of delight on the people's faces. Having a water supply to their homes means everything to them, especially now that it comes up to winter, which is particularly harsh in Romania"

During the visit the villagers gave Keith this special message: 'May God bring health to those who helped us, everybody from St Helens. And may the children from school be happy.'