Charities sending aid to Albania and Kosovo are still coordinating fundraising efforts as UN peacekeepers try to restore stability in the Balkans.

Bob Finch, chairman of 999 to Albania, said contact is being kept with organisations and a working party was planning to visit within the next few weeks.

A contact in Kosovo, Catholic priest Father Gary Walsh, has been giving Mr Finch news from Kosovo, which is currently experiencing searing summer heat.

"He has started to identify projects that we may be able to help with but there's nothing definite at the moment," Mr Finch added.

Mr Finch said the group's funds are still being used to help refugees, especially disabled people who are likely to be the last ones to return to their communities.

Lynn Simmons, of Colchester Just Help, said it was difficult for agencies to work because of the current unrest and unpredictability in the area.

"The fund raising is still going and we're still collecting money but we're waiting for things to calm down a bit," she added.

Commenting on press reports of money being transported to Kosovo by car because of the risk of attacks by bandits, Mr Finch said this was a problem everywhere.

"I've had no direct experience of this but transporting money will always be a problem, but its usuallly overcome by using the banking system by transfering to a Greek bank in Albania, " he added.

Anyone who wants to help can call 999 to Albania on 01206 382432 or Colchester Just Help on 01206 330308.

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