FORMER firemen Harry Woods is getting ready for his final call-out to Romania, after nearly a decade delivering aid to the country.

Along with other members of the Greater Manchester Fire Service Fire Engine for Romania Appeal, he will head out to the small town of Targu Carbunesti for the last time.

Shortly after he retired, Harry (61), of Rollesby Close, Brandlesholme, joined former colleagues under the banner of the service's Romanian Orphan Appeal.

Project co-ordinator Trevor Foulkes said: "Harry's been one of the mainstays of the group, he's put a lot of time and effort into it."

The mercy missions started in 1992, when the team began work on an orphanage in the town, bringing it up to a British standard. The firemen also delivered waggon loads of aid to the surrounding town.

And for Harry, It became a family affair in 1993 when he and wife Sandra (57) gave a temporary home to four-year-old orphan Augustina Bustian while she underwent a life-saving hole in the heart operation. The couple started to make regular trips to the country together, sometimes joined by son David (32) and daughter Joanne (29).

Work on the orphanage was completed in 1995 and aid expeditions also came to an end, largely because of the price of insurance.

But when Liverpool based furniture firm Dams International got in touch with former volunteers and offered to pay for a truck and all expenses of future expeditions, aid efforts resumed in 1998.

The firemen decided that the next priority for the town was their own fire engine and earlier this year secured a decommissioned vehicle from bosses. This may be the final expedition, but Harry will still be busy helping to train volunteers in the small town to form an effective fire-fighting force.

As the situation in the country becomes less desperate, bureaucracy has made aid distribution more difficult.

Harry said: "I think a lot of it is political, the authorities don't want to be seen taking aid into the country, but although there isn't as much need as there was, the people in the towns we visit still need it."

The trip will mark the end of an era and a wealth of experiences, said Harry: "The most rewarding thing has been the smiles on the faces of the children at the orphanage whenever we have visited them.

"They know when we arrive that there is going to be someone to play with. Obviously we're very well known in the town as well.

"We will still be keeping quite strong ties with Romania. We've already had visitors coming to stay with us over here, and I think there will be quite a few more."

As well as the fire engine and equipment, the group will take a 40-tonne trailer packed with furniture, clothes, school and sports equipment.

Harry and Sandra will let the plane take the strain, and have the added bonus of a £200 aid donation from Altham's Travel, The Rock, who booked their flight.

And pictured presenting a cheque to project co-ordinator Trevor Foulkes are Altham's travel staff (from left) Nicola Barton, Joanne Litherland and LeAnn Fisher. Harry is stood on the right (C1544/19a).

The good news for local people that Harry will welcome any assistance which anyone would like to offer.

Firms and individuals who wish to donate goods or cash to the appeal should contact 01204 861129.