A BOLTON bricklayer faces a four wheel race against time to reach a remote Bosnian village with mercy aid.

Conrad Dobson, who has been mad about Land Rovers since he was a boy, has answered a Red Cross appeal for owners to take vital winter clothing and school equipment to the village of Bonsaska Krupa.

"Apparently when the soldiers pulled out they blew up the roads and now the only way to reach it is with four wheel drive vehicles," said 51-year-old Conrad.

So in October Conrad and his 15-year-old son Simon will take their 14-year-old Range Rover on a week long trip of a lifetime in convoy with 30 other Land Rovers from around the country.

"When the Bosnian war was on we saw the film on TV of the children and it was very upsetting but we couldn't do anything then. Now we have a chance to help," said Conrad.

Simon, Conrad, his wife Anne and 13-year-old daughter Emma have been busy collecting goods to take at their home in Longfellow Avenue, Daubhill. The Range Rover can already by half-filled with clothing but school equipment such as rulers, pens and stationery are still needed plus a computer which has been requested.

Conrad is also rallying friends and family to help raise £2,000 to cover transport costs and provide extra aid.

And in his spare time he is working on the vehicle he calls "my baby" to ensure it is in tip top condition for its epic journey.

"I have just redone all the braking system to make sure we get over the alps," he said. Anyone who can donate goods or cash to the appeal can contact Conrad on Bolton 652301 or e-mail him on conrad@dobson62.freeserve.co.uk.