AID worker Brian Barber has helped set up nearly a dozen radio stations in war-torn Liberia.

Mr Barber, of Lydiard Millicent, says that the work is crucial to bringing about a sense of normality to the African state, marred by years of fighting.

Speaking from Harper, where he is based, Mr Barber said: "We now have 10 radio stations on air and a very jubilant population who had been without communications for several years.

"One really good piece of news is that one of our main installation strategies is to ensure that the antenna and radio station are grounded properly.

"One of the stations was hit by lightening last week but it's still on air. It's nice to see that precautions sometimes show positive results."

Fighting has eased in recent months but Mr Barber said that there is still the occasional skirmish.

"We have had the usual problems with the rebel group Lurd although the last armoured personnel carrier has left the area," he said.

Mr Barber and other European aid workers were rescued last summer by elite French troops when they became caught in cross fire.

Mr Barber, who works for Scotland-based outfit, Mercy Corps, has been in Liberia since spring 2003.