A CHARITY is having to dispose of humanitarian aid destined for Eastern Europe because it is too difficult to deliver supplies.

Operation Joseph, based in Bishop Auckland, was set up just over three years ago to distribute supplies to poverty-stricken areas of Romania.

Several times a year, the registered charity transports toys, dried food, clothes and other goods. But tightening up of legislation in the Eastern European state has resulted in supply vans being turned back.

Donations of baby milk, clothes and dried food can no longer be taken into the country.

This ruling, coupled with mounting transportation costs and increasing taxes, means it the charity runs are not viable.

Now the organisation has three weeks to dispose of the hundreds of donated items stored in its Bishop Auckland warehouse before the building lease expires.

It must also sell two minibuses and washing machines used to wash second-hand clothes.

Group spokeswoman Meg Ellison, from Bishop Auckland, said: "I think the Romanian authorities brought in the legislation because a lot of the things taken over from the West ends up sold on the black market, and they also want to boost their own economy.

"But when we hand out our provisions we know exactly who it's going to. My concern is the poorest people aren't getting the things they need."

The Romanian Embassy in London confirmed the regulations regarding goods brought into the country, but said they were not new.

Operation Joseph intends to carry on its work by raising money and buying goods in Romania, to provide help for children's homes caring for youngsters with HIV, and running a street feeding programme.

On Saturday, the warehouse, in Peel Street, Bishop Auckland will be open to the public between 10am and 4pm.

To offer help to the charity contact (01388) 605825.