AFTER a hectic working life in a hospital intensive care unit team, Alan Brunskill is packing just as much energy into his retirement years.

At the weekends the 53-year-old former charge nurse at Bishop Auckland General Hospital, uses his medical skills as a volunteer with the Territorial Army 201 (Northern) Field Hospital, based at Fenham Barracks, in Newcastle-upon Tyne.

He dedicates the rest of his spare time to helping needy children through a charity Humanitarian Aid to Lithuanian Orphans.

HALO collects items such as clothing, shoes and food which are taken to where the aid is needed in four convoys a year.

This year their efforts have been boosted by a £1,500 donation from Glaxo Wellcome, at Barnard Castle.