A Shipley-based charity is setting up a workshop and clinic to help orphaned and disabled youngsters in one of Europe's poorest countries.

Dr Kathy Tedd and a team of volunteers from Jubilee Outreach Yorkshire (JOY) are already helping hundreds of disabled and chronically-ill people at a rehabilitation centre in the town of Tigru Mures in Trannsylvania, Romania.

Now volunteers have raised funds to buy a house which they hope to transform into a workshop, clinic and day-care centre for disabled youngsters.

The team of volunteers were set to travel to Romania and renovate the house but a vital fundraising walk, set to generate thousands of pounds, has been cancelled because of the foot-and-mouth crisis.

Dr Tedd said: "We are very disappointed that we have not been able to go on the walk. It has been going for several years now and we raised more than £6,000 last year alone."

"The money would be used to do up the building which was purchased for £12,000.

"We run a fleet of ambulances which the children call the Kathy bus and we renovated some buildings. Last year we set up the rehab centre which now helps more than a hundred people.

"We had been looking for another building so we could create a workshop, clinic and physiotherapy room," added Dr Tedd, who has been involved with the charity for more than 11 years.

The house is in urgent need of repair and an electrician, builder and plumber have donated their services to renovate it.

Local companies have also provided materials to help out.

"Basically we want to help the local community to help themselves," said Dr Tedd. "This way we can reach the whole community rather than just help a few people."

Now the volunteers are trying to think of other events which will enable them to raise as much money as quickly as possible.

The charity would also like to hear from anyone who can help with work in the shop.

A barn dance will be held at Victoria Hall, Saltaire, on Friday, April 27, from 7-11pm. For details call (01274) 531999.