TWO former Trowbridge residents are helping to give homeless children and poverty-stricken gypsies in Romania a new lease of life.

Lorraine Bees and Carol Schrecker have lived in Slobozia for the last three years where they have been trying to meet the basic needs of the local community.

Both women sold their Trowbridge homes to fund the move and set up the charity, Project Exodus. But they regularly travel back to Wiltshire to collect donations.

Mrs Bees said: "Before I went out with my rucksack my friends were worried that I would be murdered or raped, but the people are lovely and I now have seven godchildren over there."

Project Exodus works with two of the most needy groups in the area the gypsy community of Bora and the young street homeless of Slobozia.

"We have spent time with these people and have come to understand the problems they face and where help is needed," said Mrs Bees.

"Some needs are obvious such as food and accommodation for those on the streets and clothing and medical care for everyone.

"We have been meeting these needs as best we can and have now come to the point where it is time to build upon this essential work."

On Saturday, a lorry-load of household items such as furniture and cookers, donated by Wiltshire residents, will begin its journey to Romania from Woodland Park in Westbury.

Mrs Bees will fly back out on Monday when she will begin work on furnishing a house for the street children. She is also hoping to secure £50,000-worth of funding to develop land around the building and create a self-sufficient area for the community.

She said: "We want the local people to have their very own animals, vegetables and businesses so they have sufficient income to live.

"They all need work to provide an income and a sense of self worth but due to high unemployment and a lack of education it is difficult to find work."

For the last three years, Project Exodus has been helping to reverse problems such as poor access to education. It also aims to provide a mobile medical unit to reach groups who desperately need treatment, and advise on family planning to reduce high rates of pregnancy.

Carol and Lorraine also accompany adults and children to the hospital, paying for any treatment required.

To ensure the continued success of the charity, more volunteers and funds are needed.

Mrs Bees said: "We need people to volunteer as field workers in Romania as well as in the UK to help administrate and fundraise for the project."

For more information phone (01373) 825253 or email Lorraineexodus@ aol.com