A fundraising drive called Pub Aid has been launched in Ledbury to help poor Romanian families.

The driving force behind the initiative is Andy Ward, manager of The Talbot Hotel in New Street, and his wife Maria, who was born in Romania.

The aim is to send money, clothes, blankets and other items to one impoverished village in particular, called Topile, to the east of the country.

Mrs and Mrs Ward visited Topile in May to make arrangements and the lorries they will send will be met at the border by representatives from Topile, to ensure that everything gets through to needy people.

Mr Ward said: "These people get no help. They have no running water. The lucky ones may have a pig or goat to eat when the winter sets in, with heavy snow."

The idea is to get lorries out there before the winter comes. Anyone wishing to offer a donation should phone Mr Ward on 01531 632963.