THE new director of a Radcliffe-based charity has paid tribute to his pioneering predecessor.

Mr Ian Siddall has taken over at the helm of Romania Aid, founded by the Rev David Roberts.

Mr Roberts, who was the superintendent minister of the Radcliffe Methodist Circuit, died in his sleep while attending the Keswick Christian Convention in the Lake District.

Minister at the Wesley Methodist Church at Radcliffe, and Unsworth Methodist Church, Mr Roberts was the founder of Romania Aid, a charity devoted to sending supplies and equipment to orphanages and hospitals in Romania

Mr Siddall (52) of Church Street, Radcliffe, said: "He was a tireless worker for the charity and really involved himself in both collections and fund-raising.

"His support made the charity flourish and he joined me in the lorry on two of the nine deliveries I have made to Romania."

Mr Siddall added: "He has planted a seed that will grow and help the poor of Romania, and the commitment I make to the charity will be made in his memory."

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