A SALVAGED county bus has been involved in a mercy mission to Eastern Europe, writes RICHARD WILSON.

The Midland Red vehicle was rescued from the scrap heap and donated to Humanitarian Aid for a life-saving trip to Bosnia.

And the battered vehicle - after a lifetime of service on Herefordshire's roads - completed the 1,000-mile journey with hardly a hitch!

Roy Yarnold was in charge of the 'busman's holiday' loaded up with clothes, food, blankets and - most bizarrely - a dentist's chair.

"They need anything and everything over there," explained Roy. "I was just pleased to help out."

He was moved by what he saw in the poorest regions of the country. "I was amazed that they can scratch a living from such a barren landscape," he said.

But the people were grateful for the help and extremely hospitable.

The bus only gave up once, 400 yards from a service station. "I dipped the clutch and coasted in," said a relived Roy.

"The AA chappie was able to rectify the fault - it was a detached electrical lead, which I doubt I would ever have found."

Humanitarian Aid is always looking for volunteers or donations. For more information telephone Clive Prout on 01432 358330 or Sandy Taylor on 01432 265250.