friend tipped me off about Ian Robinson (right) and his work in helping land mine clearing teams in Bosnia a few months ago. Intrigued, I phoned Ian to see if we could offer any help; we met up and for a few hours Ian told us of his and his girlfriend Alison Sopp's plans to drive a fleet of five Land Rovers overland to Bosnia .

I was fascinated to hear how Ian had become involved in setting up the Bosnian Land Rover Appeal fund. The people of Bosnia and Rwanda have much in common with each other in the way that they are trying to rebuild their lives since the wars have ended. When talking to Ian since his recent return from Bosnia it was brought home to me that although the fighting had ended, the killing had not. A NATO officer told Ian that tragically 2 or 3 children a month still lose their lives because of hidden land mines, even though the war there ended six years ago.

It has taken Ian and Alison over a year to raise the £6,000 needed to buy and kit out a second hand Land Rover, which they wanted to give to one of the local Bosnian teams clearing these deadly mines. Many local businesses such as Superwinch and Simon Allen at Tavistock Tyre's helped with donating equipment for the Land Rover. Just before their departure in October, Ian and Alison held a collection day outside Tavistock Safeway supermarket (see photo left) when people were able to meet and talk to both of them, and I know many people gave generously both in goods and money. I'm pleased too that Tavistock Community Church was able to donate bedding and curtain materials, and to be able to promise to help on a long-term basis with helping get aid for Ian and Alison's next trip in 2004.

The Land Rover and all the supplies which Ian and Alison delivered to the people of Liven, will help improve their lives, but there is still a great need for more help and aid. If you would like to know more, or would like to make a donation to the appeal fund then please contact Ian Robinson on 01822 855586.