DESPITE transport problems and customs setbacks, aid worker Roy Ewart battled on to deliver gifts to a group of Albanian orphans.

Chairman of the Christian Rehoboth Albanian Charity, Roy has visited Albania 10 times and continues to collect gifts and clothes for the children and families living in severe poverty.

He returned from his latest mission to Sarande a month ago after delivering Christmas gifts and cheer and is already planning his next trip in August.

He said: "I really want to thank everyone who helped out and filled the boxes - they were once again very much appreciated.

"Before I set off to Albania I was told the transport which was to take the 400 to 500 boxes had fallen through and after many phone calls and very little sleep an organisation called Simarco International agreed to help us by delivering the boxes to Corfu.

"The lorry arrived in Corfu on December 22 but, despite being assured by the director and vice-director of the orphanage that they had total customs clearance, I found this was not the case.

"Without the help of one lady who got all the relevant paperwork through Greek customs, the poor orphan children simply wouldn't have received their Christmas boxes."

Roy, who recently moved from Burnley to Cross Street, Oswaldtwistle, helped organise a Christmas party which included a meal, cakes and chocolate, and a New Year's Eve party. He said: "We sang Christmas carols in the Albanian language and the children enjoyed putting up the Christmas decorations and Christmas tree in the dining room."

The charity pays for skilled Christian Albanian men and women to teach the young children skills which will help them in the future, such as sewing and knitting.

For Roy's August visit, he is again appealing for gifts but he is also hoping to find skilled workmen from the water industry who would be willing to go to Albania with him to help provide the people with a fresh water supply.

Schoolchildren and local groups can get involved in the mission by taking part in the Smartie Tube Project.

They will each be given a tube full of Smarties, which they can eat, and will then fill the tubes with coins.

Anyone wanting to help the charity, take advantage of a free slide show of the visits or buy a £2 video of the Christmas trip should contact Roy on 01254 611173.

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