CHARITY worker John Boast, convicted of smuggling children out of Romania, finally arrived home - and thanked his family and friends for helping him through his two-year ordeal.

Mr Boast, who returned to East Lancashire at the weekend, had an emotional reunion with his three daughters, Angela, 26, Joanne, 21, and Samantha, 16, all of Great Harwood.

And he said it was the knowledge that they were supporting him that kept him going through his time in jail in Romania.

He said: "We were in touch all the time but the letters and contact grew less and less as time went on. I am responsible for that because it was hard to keep telling them that it was all soon going to be over.

"I got embarrassed about not being able to fulfil what I was saying. I have taken them through some awful situations and they have been petrified.

"I told them it is OK to be afraid - it is how you come out of it that matters. And they have always come out fine."

Mr Boast's eldest daughter, Angela, had some good news for him when he got back - she is marrying her boyfriend, David Jessiman, at Christmas. Mr Boast said: "It was a lovely surprise. I am planning to go back to Romania but I'll be here for the wedding. I won't miss it unless they lock me up again."

Mr Boast was given a 20-month suspended sentence after admitting child smuggling charges but the judge at his trial praised Mr Boast for his humanitarian work.

And he said the people of Romania had always welcomed him, even calling him Father Christmas's brother.

He intends to return to Romania after a short time in Lancashire. "You would think the experience I had would drive you away, but the opposite has happened," he said.

"There is a real need over there. If I can be treated the way I was, what hope has someone with nothing?

"There have been a lot of political changes in Romania and a small percentage of people are getting very, very rich, but so many others are being left behind."

Mr Boast is looking forward to spending time with his daughters - and enjoying a coffee at his favourite cafe, the Towngate in Great Harwood.

"In Romania you get used to not asking for much. That's all I need," he said.

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