BURNLEY charity worker Roy Ewart is back in town after the successful delivery of 40 tons of aid to Albania.

Roy spent three weeks in the poverty-stricken former Communist state ensuring the much-needed aid, collected in Burnley by Christian charity, Heart and Hands, got through to the people who needed it.

A mountain of goods, from soap to nappies, blankets to baby incubators, went overland in two lorries and despite long border delays, red tape and police and custom corruption, eventually reached their destination.

Help went to the baby unit Heart and Hands in the southern port of Sarande, a children's hospital in the town and to many others.

But it will be the last delivery by the group, which will, in future, concentrate on fundraising.

Printing firm worker Roy said: "It was a very difficult trip this time, but we did eventually get through and the people of Burnley who have given so much, can be assured their aid reached the people who need it most."

Fundraising will continue this weekend when the charity has a sales stall at Burnley Carnival at Towneley on Saturday.

A barbecue and thank-you evening are planned and Roy will also organise free slide shows on the group's work to interested organisations.

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