A RETIRED builder is masterminding Herefordshire aid efforts for one of the most troubled countries on earth.

Alastair Goodwin, of Newton, near Leominster, is appealing for clothing and footwear for the people of Swaziland.

The African country, the size of Wales, has been ravaged by Aids and one fifth of children in rural areas are orphaned.

"People have turned to drugs to relieve their misery but their problems have become worse," says Alastair, who helped build houses and a church with a group of newly rehabilitated drug addicts from the UK and Swaziland.

"Coping with the task of caring for them is an immense task.

"When I worked there five years ago the average life expectancy was 51 years. It is now 30.

"The BBC reported that if Swaziland continues as she is, she is set to become the first nation to become extinct within 50 years due to HIV/Aids."

Alastair works with Welsh Christian charity Teen Challenge, that has a good record on rehabilitation of drug addicts. It is now helping to tackle a wide range of problems in Swaziland.

"To help clothe the children, Teen Challenge has sent out 1,500 black bags of second-hand clothing every year," says Alastair.

"This year we are aiming for 6,000 bags.

"There are extremes of temperature, so all kinds of clothing and shoes are acceptable.

"Surplus adultwear can be sold at reasonable prices at the charity shop there.

"This will help raise money for medical supplies for the children," says Alastair.

He is appealing to county people to fill plastic bags with unwanted clothes and shoes and deliver them to Holmer Church Centre, Hereford, on July 3 (noon-4pm) or July 4 (10am-noon) or to Holmer Vicarage at other times.

Collection can be arranged for those unable to travel.

Call Alastair on 01568 614223 or (for north Herefordshire) 01584 831502.

"There will be no delay - the clothes will start on a journey to Swaziland straight away," says Alastair.