ROADS like quagmires, inflation running at 150 per cent and unemployment at 64 per cent — these are the conditions faced every day by the people of Santana in Romania, visited recently by a Jacobstowe charity team.

The Gilead Foundation, a Christian charity, has just returned from the village after delivering food, Christmas boxes and equipment generously donated by the people of West Devon.

A convoy of vehicles took the goods out to Romania, including a 17-tonne lorry, an articulated truck, a minibus and a four-wheel drive vehicle which has been left in Santana.

Mark Wade, project manager, said: 'We took out ten tonnes of food which went to the church feeding centre.

'It feeds 160 children every day — if it wasn't for that one good meal a day at the church they would be living on just bread and fat.'

Mr Wade said there is no benefit for unemployed people and with galloping inflation, a loaf of bread now costs the equivalent of 80 pence.

'They just scrape a living from their gardens, but in winter it can reach minus 20 degrees, so it's very hard,' said Mr Wade.

'All the old outdated industries have closed down — basically the country is bankrupt.

'There are signs of light, but it takes a long time.'

Mr Wade said despite the difficulties of everyday living, the spirit of the people living in Romania is tremendous.

'I have never heard anybody complain,' he said.

The eleven volunteers who went on the trip stayed with families in Santana and received a 'fantastic reception'.

'They really do appreciate it,' he said.

'We are very conscious to take things out they really need, but with their inflation, it's cheaper to take food out to them.'

The Gilead Foundation has been given a building in Santana by the local council, rent-free, and with a 49-year lease.

'We will renovate it and use it to start up small businesses for people,' he said.

The foundation works in partnership with the church in Santana to provide ongoing support to the villagers, and is planning another trip to Romania in the New Year.