A Hutton man is back from a mercy mission to bring hope to the elderly and needy young people in Croatia.

During a recent five day trip, Roger Allen and the Convoy of Hope managed to provide a life-line to two long-term projects.

One was a children's hospital in the town of Rejaka.The other was an old people's home in Petrenjna.

Until the Convoy of Hope stepped in, the old people's home was just receiving food for its patients.

But thanks to sponsorship and donations the Convoy was able to take four tonnes of aid.

Among essential goods taken were soap powder, half a tonne of bedding, mattresses, enough bleach tablets to make 1,200 gallons of bleach, razors and incontinent packs.

It also took to the home 400 bottles of shampoo donated by children of St Joseph's school, Hutton.

Mr Allen, of Rayleigh Road, said: "We received a letter from a nurse at the home asking for our help.

"Before they had nothing apart from food, but now the home is getting a lot better.

"There is still a lot of work to do. We are hoping to replace windows and do some work on the building in order to keep out the rain.

"Our next trip to Croatia will hopefully be around October."

Mr Allen has made many trips to Croatia in recent months.

He has also been to Kosovo delivering food, blankets, toiletries and other necessities.

Anyone who would like to help the Convoy of Hope can contact Roger on 01277 625966.

Bringing hope: Roger Allen with co-driver Dee King in Croatia.

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