A major new mission to modernise orphanages and take vital supplies to terminally ill children in Romania has been lauched in the UK.

The operation, called Project Convoy 2001, is thought to be one of the largest ever to the impoverished East European country.

It was launched this week by Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir John Stevens and will involve more than 170 volunteers from the Metropolitan Police Service, Essex Police, London Probation Area and Rotary International.

On Monday some, including Sir John's wife Cynthia, will drive a convoy of 12 heavy goods vehicles plus support lorries on the three-day journey across Europe.

Another 122 volunteers will fly to the Romanian capital, Bucharest to carry out six building projects, including modernising an orphanage for mentally disabled children in Breaza.