A BRAVE bobby is giving up booking lorries ... to drive a truckload of beans to Romania!

Mick Harrison, a HGV Enforcement Officer based at Lancashire Police's Hutton headquarters, is leading the 14-strong police team on a two week mercy mission to the country.

After driving 3,000 miles through Belgium, Germany and Austria they will deliver cleaning materials and food - including tins donated by food giant Heinz - to the poor.

It will be the seventh time 48-year-old PC Harrison, who lives in Langho, has gone to Romania, and he said it was always great to go out and help.

PC Harrison, a policeman for 30 years, said: "It started seven years ago when someone at work decided it would be a good idea to take some stuff out there.

"People ask us why we do it, but you just have to go out there and see it before you realise how lucky you really are. It's quite shocking."

The project was saved at the last minute by Standish Van Hire in Bamber Bridge who lent them vehicles.

Mick said: "We'd like to say a big thank-you to them because without the vans we would've been struggling."

Retired Preston Inspector Ian House and Accrington Sergeant Frank Gregson who lives in Penwortham, Preston are among the team.

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