NORTHERN Irish volunteers drove to Romania to deliver donations for families supported by a Bolton-based charity.

Kath and David Richardson, who run charity Good News for Romania travelled to Barlad to meet the group at the end of their 2,300 mile trip.

Geoff Mackin, Paul Jeffrey, Mark Brown and Chris Freeland left Belfast on October 4 and arrived in Barlad three days later in a Volkswagen Sharan filled with gifts.

Be The Change Northern Ireland donated toiletries, vitamins and toys as well as a cheque worth more than £4,000 and the vehicle itself.

The Bolton couple took them to visit a family of 74-year-old Lidia and her 84-year-old husband who look after 10 of their 45 grandchildren aged two to 15 years old.

Mrs Richardson said: “Life is very, very hard! The guys from Northern Ireland were visibly moved by such poverty and it certainly made them realise how we have life so easy! The children were thrilled with their gifts and loved the sweets - a real treat for them.

“Grandma cried a few times as she felt unworthy of the help she received from the guys and from Good News for Romania. There were lots of tears and huge gratitude!”

Mr and Mrs Richardson thanked all who donated, including those who offered their services for free to the group of volunteers.

During their trip, they passed on donations to many families from supporters in Bolton and around the UK.

The couple have been travelling to Romania regularly since 1990 after learning of extreme poverty in the country.

They will host a coffee morning and bring and buy event on November 24 between 9:45am and 12pm at their home, 1 Wythburn Avenue, Bolton, BL1 6BG.

For more information, contact 01204 841906.