GOOD Samaritan John Mutum set off for Poland on a mercy mission this week.

Mr Mutum, 69, a retired farmer and salesman from Barnard Castle, will make a round trip of 2,000 miles, and spend £1,000 from his own pocket, to take the clothing to homes in Scinawa and Mragowo.

The items were given to him by well-wishers from around Teesdale, just as they have for 12 similar trips he has made in the past nine years.

He said: "I filled 12 suitcases this time as well as boxes and bags to make it easier to hand out the garments in Poland.

"It looked as if I'd have to leave four cases behind. But by changing things around I eventually got them in.

"I was glad about that as I didn't want to leave anything behind. Everything I take is gratefully received over there because the children in the homes are badly in need of help."

The widower said he will be away for a month and will look on it as a holiday as well as a chance to ease poverty.