A MERCY dash to Romania by Bolton's big-hearted fire fighters will once again bring cheer to a crumbling community.

Seven years after Bolton's 999 service first sprang into action to revamp an orphanage, the mercy men and women are planning a return journey.

In May, a lorry-load of school equipment will be taken to a small town, Tirgu Carbenesti - 80 miles from the Romanian capital, Bucharest.

Organiser Phil Round has praised the overwhelming response from Bolton people who have again leapt into action to provide school uniforms, desks and vital equipment to help re-equip the Romanian classrooms.

And Phil is hoping local firms will help them in their quest to put the small town on the Internet.

Phil explained: "It would be a marvellous learning oportunity for the community if they were on the Internet.

"I want to be able to take a computer over to the school but this means raising at least £1,000."

The school is just yards away from the orphanage which was the focus of a massive renovation by Greater Manchester firefighters - many ex-tradesmen - in 1992.

Now, firefighters are looking for anything which will help bring light and laughter to schoolchildren from books to computer games.

Funds are also urgently needed to help smooth the way towards transport costs.

Phil said: "The last time we went out, we were inundated with clothing and toys. But this time, we have been able to control the donations a little bit.

"We have a warehouse full of desks and school uniforms which we are taking over."

Sporadic visits to Tirgu Carbenesti have been carried out by firemen over the past seven years.

Phil explained: "The orphanage was 'adopted' by a French charity who left them without trace a few years ago.

"But the orphanage doesn't really need our help now. The school is crumbling away and is in urgent need of attention."

The plight of the Romanian orphans hit the headlines nearly ten years ago and fire fighters from across the region are hoping to return to the province for a Millennium reunion next year.

Nato airstrikes in Yugoslavia are also having a knock-on effect on morale in Tirgu Carbenesti.

Phil, who is in constant contact with the Romanians and has been invited back to the town by the Tirgu Carbenesti mayor, said: "They are extremely worried about what is happening in Yugoslavia. They are very uneasy that there could be repercussions on their country.

"These people are under a lot of pressure and are now worried about war on top of social poverty problems and the collapse of their economy."

Bolton people who want to donate either cash or goods should contact Bolton Central Fire Station on 525111.

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