A YOUNG Bolton woman has swapped Heaton for Albania in a bid to save more than 50 orphaned and abandoned children.

Conservative councillor Colin Shaw's daughter Lucie, aged 28, has given up a highly-paid job as a nanny to support disadvantaged youngsters near the Albanian capital, Tirana.

She is devoting her time and love to these children for six months and her father believes she is the perfect person for the job.

Cllr Shaw, who represents Deane-cum-Heaton said: "She's a very caring young lady. She couldn't wait to get over there and I'm sure she's doing a good job."

Lucie, who has been a nanny for 10 years, went to Markland Hill Primary and Canon Slade School.

She got a top job as a nanny in London after graduating with a distinction at the prestigious Norlands College.

But now she is working as a volunteer for the Hope and Homes Charity -- without pay.

Cllr Shaw said: "Lucie always wanted to become a nanny and she always wanted to work as a volunteer in Albania. Now she is combining the two.

"The children range from small babies to five-year-olds. All of them have suffered from neglect and lack of love.

"Lucie will be giving much-needed hope to these, some of the poorest children in the world, at great cost to herself in time, money and hardship.

"But she is thrilled at the idea of being able to help them. It's something she has always wanted to do."

The Rotary Club of Horwich felt her self-sacrifice and kind-heartedness deserved its support.

So they handed her father a cheque with £500 to help her during her stay.