WHILE others will get dressed up for a big night out this New Year’s Eve, Robin Brown will be spending the night in a lorry.

That’s because the BT worker will be heading for one of the most poverty-stricken parts of Europe, with temperatures of about minus five.

He is heading to rural Moldova, in Eastern Europe, to drop off food, toys and medical supplies in a remote area where even basics, like running water, and electricity are rare luxuries.

Mr Brown, of Brighton Road, Holland-on-Sea, said there were never any doubts about giving up his New Year’s Eve for the trip to the rural district of Beltz.

He said: “What I will be getting from going there is more than I will lose on New Year’s Eve. It will be fantastic.

“It is like going back 30 or 40 years. It really is very basic.”

The group of five volunteers with charity Teech are even hoping to get a few Santa outfits to complete the effect.

They will be dropping off medical equipment and furniture at a maternity hospital, and presents for children in an impoverished village.

They will also be delivering food and treats to youngsters at an orphanage for disabled children, and they hope to return there next year, to try to get running water, central heating and inside toilets installed.

The group had hoped to work on the project this summer, but were banned by the Moldovan government, which closed the borders to international aid to prevent the spread of swine flu.

Mr Brown appealed for anyone who could donate to the charity, or who had unwanted Christmas presents to get in touch. They are also looking for shoeboxes filled with toys and treats for children.

Cash donations can be made via Teech’s website on www.teech.org.uk and Mr Brown can pick up items within the Clacton area any time up until New Year’s Eve.

Call him on 07871 374616.