A CHARITY dedicated to helping people in rundown Romania has come up with a new way to give them the support they need to build better standards of living.

Rising transport costs and logistical problems faced by Huddersfield charity Acorn mean supplies of clothing, toiletries, medical and educational items are no longer directly supplied to the troubled country.

But money is now used to buy such things as building materials and fabric which are then used by locally-hired tradesmen on projects.

Acorn chairman Alison Rayner said: "The schools and hospitals of the Prahova district now have new toilets and laundry rooms along with medical and educational supplies.

"I travelled to Romania recently where I was able to visit many of the projects that have been completed over the last 12 months.

"Some were small, others larger, but all helped to enhance the everyday life of the community."

Acorn was formed in Huddersfield 14 years ago and is now taking on a new project to help build a village playground in the centre of the town of Paulesti.

The local council will donate the land and pay the labour bill if Acorn will provide materials and equipment.

With this and other projects in mind, the charity has organised a fundraising shopping evening on Thursday, December 9, in Marsh.

The shops will be staying open late and will organise raffles and fundraising for the charity.

Anyone with new ideas of how to raise cash or who would like to help or donate should contact Alison by email at nicx86@hotmail.com