A war of words has erupted between two aid groups founded to support the plight of Kosovan refugees.

Organisers of relief agency Just Help yesterday hit back at "silly sniping" by another Balkans support group, 999 to Albania.

Bob Finch, chairman of Colchester-based 999 to Albania, said Just Help was taking unnecessary supplies to the war-torn region.

He said food was in good supply at camps and the only items needed were nappies, sanitary towels, razors, baby food and shampoo.

He raised concerns that charity cash was being spent ferrying other goods to the camps - such as clothes and sleeping bags - which were then being turned away.

999 to Albania was set up in 1995 and Mr Finch said it would be better to store goods in this country until they were needed.

But Mike Yardley, organiser of Birch-based Just Help, hit back at Mr Finch's comments, describing them as "disgraceful".

Speaking from his latest mercy mission in Albania, he said: "I am very angry. What Mr Finch has said is simply not true.

"These comments are making a hard job more difficult."

Mr Yardley said 85 per cent of a recent aid package had already been distributed among the refugees - proving the supplies were vital.

"I spoke to Mr Finch the other day and he was upset because I didn't agree with his assessment. We have processed over 300 tonnes of aid."

Just Help said it had responded to specific requests from aid workers in the region - and the group had been overwhelmed by the public's response to its appeal, said Mr Yardley.

He added Mr Finch's comments were "a slap in the face for hundreds of people who have given generously to the refugees".

Mr Finch triggered the row when he said unnecessary supplies being ferried to the region were having to be stored in warehouses - which had to be paid for with charity cash - because refugees had no room for them.

He added: "I hope he is able to find somewhere to deposit the items he is delivering and he can justify the transport and subsequent storage costs involved when the refugees have, for now, all they need."

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