AN Otley lorry driver is helping to take two uniquely-designed shower units to help refugees from Kosovo in Albania.

Andrew Teale, 40, of Guycroft, sets off on Monday on an estimated ten-day round trip to take the special units to help refugees driven out of their homes, who are now at Korce in Southern Albania.

Mr Teale, who works for Bristol-based Peter Lane Transport, is on a contract for the Body Shop chain of stores, and the two businesses have clubbed together to provide the sorely needed shower units.

Mr Teale told the 'Wharfedale': "The Body Shop are supplying the shower units and Peter Lanes are supplying two tractor units and the two volunteer

drivers.

"They asked if anybody wanted to it so I thought I would have a go. It's an experience and I think they need some help."

Peter Kyle, development consultant for the Body Shop's Kosovan Refugee Appeal, said: "We have had a presence in Albania for eight years, and now the refugees from Kosovo have arrived there. There is a huge need on the ground within the refugee camps in human terms.

"There is a lot of aid going towards feeding the population and innoculation, but there is a great need for people to look at other needs, such as hygiene.

"When we first suggested mobile showers, people laughed, but the population on the ground is very fluid and they are moving all the time. They need something that can move with them. Anything permanent is next to useless."

Each shower unit is completely self-contained, with wheels by Land Rover, enough spaces to shower four people at a time, and a water pump and heating system powered by a generator.

If the first units prove to be successful, more units are set to be built and despatched.

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