Swindon landlord Andy Marcer is already planning his next mercy trip to the Balkans days after delivering supplies to the ravaged part of the world.

He said that without the aid which is being sent to Croatia and Bosnia, the people would be literally starving on the streets.

"We were very well received again and more people seem to be moving back into their homes after the conflict," said Andy, of the Beehive public house in Old Town.

"But there is a definite feeling of despondency everywhere.

"Unemployment stands at 90 per cent and people cannot see any way out of it at the moment.

"Most of them are desperate for essential supplies which we take for granted in this country.It is vital that we keep sending them over."

The latest aid trip was the ninth Andy has made to the Balkans.This time his co-driver was Paul Clifford, who often spends time in Swindon.

"It was well worth the effort and I will definitely be going back again at Easter," said Andy.

This time the near 4,000-mile round trip with a convoy of lorries, organised by he Aid Direct charity, took him through Croatia and onto the Sarajevo area of Bosnia where he delivered medical supplies, food, blankets, clothes and toys.

He had been hoping to link up with former Swindon soldier Nick Cooper another veteran aid worker to take on board more supplies from a 38-ton lorry. But at the last minute sponsorship fell through and that lorry was cancelled.

Andy was also able to buy local food, fruit and vegetables to give away but, as he said, all aid efforts are controlled by the actual amount of money available.

Said Andy: "We were actually out of pocket by £500 this time and we obviously need cash to start planning for the next trip."

Paul Clifford said the trip was a real eye opener .

"There is still so much desperation," he said.

"I would urge the people of Swindon to continue giving their support because it is necessary to the people who live there."

If you would like to make a cash donation towards the Bee-hive mercy trips contact Andy Marcer on Swindon 523187.