AFTER more than four years in a war zone, two East Lancashire men have returned to their safe havens in Hyndburn. Geoffrey Rawcliffe, of Shakespeare Avenue, Great Harwood and James Randles, of Hermitage Street, Rishton, have spent the last four years of their lives working out in Croatia, helping to make sure life returns to normal after the war which tore the former Yugoslavia apart.

Working with the United Nations Overseas Development Agency, Geoffrey and James assisted on the aid convoys during the war, ensuring aid reached its destination untouched by the rebel factions. More recently, the duo have help move thousands of refugees back to their original homes as they try to pick up the remains of their shattered lives. At their emotional reunion with their families, Geoffrey's wife, June Rawcliffe, who met her husaband with daughter Lisa, said the best thing would be being able to spend some time together.

She said: "After 22 years in the army before going out on this convoy, I am determined to keep Geoffrey in this country for a long time. It's nice to know he is safe."

But the couple didn't stay on home ground for long, flying out for an long-awaited family holiday to Grand Canaria.

June added: "They have worked so hard out there, but their work has gone largely unreported by the media.

"They put their lives on the line to help out. Their work has made sure the Croatian's have been able to get back to a normal life quicker than expected."

Geoffrey and James travelled back with Lytham man Phil Jones, who has also been out in the region - under a team led by Lady Chalker - for four years.

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