AN aid volunteer has been given permission to travel to Burma despite the on-going protests against the country's ruling military junta.

Former police inspector Fred Farley, 67, of Coxhoe in County Durham, plans to make his seventh visit to the country, now called Myanmar, this week to take aid to a hospital for lepers.

Mr Farley said his visa had arrived and that he planned to fly on Wednesday to Bangkok, Thailand, and from there onto Burma.

"I was amazed when it arrived because I didn't think I would get the visa because of the conflict that is going on,'' he said.

"I have never been refused a visa before but I did think it could be different this time.

"I have got it and I am delighted about it because it means that people in need will benefit from my visit. I will be there for a few weeks.'' International concern is mounting about the situation in Burma where security forces have killed people who have taken to the street to protest about economic hardships and a lack of democracy.

Mr Farley hopes to visit Burma in October to take four pieces of surgical equipment that will allow doctors working at a Christian-run hospital in the Moulmain area to carry out infection-beating skin grafts.

Mr Farley finances his trips himself and has received financial support for the aid he takes from sources including former police colleagues.

He said: "Many lepers undergo surgery to have legs and fingers removed and, without skin grafts to aid the healing process, their wounds run the real risk of gangrenous infection and that in turn means more surgery.

Mr Farley is also seeking equipment including a dermatome, that removes healthy tissue for skin transplants, and a Humby knife and blades.

He hopes to be in Burma when a visiting Australian surgeon performs an operation on a 12-year-old blind boy. He has paid for the operation and for the boy's parents to be at their son's bedside.

Mr Farley will also visit a blind centre 200 miles away where money from his benefactor has paid for music tuition.

"Being able to play a musical instrument will give these youngsters the chance to earn a living when they become adults. Without these opportunities they face a life of begging.'' Anyone who wants to support Mr Farley's work can call 0191-377 1810 or send a cheque made out to Appeal for Myanmar BLO to him at 6 Vicarage Terrace, Coxhoe, DH6 4AN.