The combined efforts of Rotarians have resulted in a reconditioned, gleaming ambulance being donated to a Romanian hospital.

Rotarian Mick Brooks, of Doughty Brooks, has been fund-raising for ambulances and aid relief since a visit to Romania.

He says: "Some years ago I went out to Romania. This will be my tenth visit there. I was so appalled at what I saw that I just had to do something. If you see them out there it's absolutely appalling."

The fully equipped, reconditioned ambulance has had livery transfers and stripes applied to it by AG Graphics of Keighley. The gleaming ambulance was bought from North Yorkshire Ambulance Service through a combined effort of Wakefield Rotarians, Skipton and Craven Rotarians and the Grassington based Medical Education Social Help organisation (MESH).

Mr Brooks - pictured in the ambulance - says: "This consignment of ambulances will bring the total up to 20."

Mr Brooks and his son Damien will be taking the ambulance to the hospital in Turnuseverin with a party of 16 on September 23, during a three week trip.

Mr Brooks, who has been learning to speak Romanian, says the ambulance is invaluable in Romania and will be well looked after.

He says: "This to them is like giving you a Rolls Royce. They do maintain them when they get out there. WYMAS have donated some old uniforms and they really have a sense of pride with this."

The ambulance, named Emma Louise Brooks, will join two others named after Mr Brooks and his son in Romania after a three day drive across Europe. Mr Brooks wishes to thank the people of Keighley for their generosity in donating food, soaps and medical supplies and clothing.

He adds that there is still a need for more donations. If anyone is interested in helping call 667697.

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