TWO dedicated Vale fundraisers are heading to central America later this month to visit the homeless children they work tirelessly to support.

Eighty-year-old Bron Soan, of Charlton, who founded the Aid to the Children of El Salvador (ACES) 28 years ago, is heading out to the country with friend and fellow fundraiser Ruth Owen.

The pair will fly out to the war ravaged country on Tuesday, November 18, laden with suitcases packed full of Christmas presents for the 70 children in the home established by Mrs Soan about 14 years ago and run by local woman, Coralia.

It's an annual trip for the founder, who set up the charity 28 years ago after a visit to the country in 1986 left her appalled at the situation of many youngsters.

And it is the only way the children get to experience any of the joy of Christmas.

"It's a dangerous time out there at the moment," said Mrs Soan, who has in the past sold her own property to help fund ACES. "Between the gangs and the death squads. But I can't suffer those nerves, I mean I went out there when the war was on and I have lived my life.

"This will be my 29th trip I think and the third for Ruth."

They are set to take two suitcases each and an extra two bags, all of which will be full of presents donated by local sources.

"Holy Redeemer Church held a collection after mass and the first school donated t-shirts so we have one for each child," said Mrs Soan. "The Evesham Quakers have also been very supportive. We have also got a supporters group and over the last two years the charity has been well supported.

"There are about 70 children there at the moment, aged between six to 16. We have heavy cases and rucksacks each filled with presents. Luckily the airlines take it through for me. It's just to give the kids a piece of Christmas.

"If I didn't go in November they wouldn't get anything for Christmas at all. The money raised by the churches will also allow us to throw a little party for them."

Mrs Soan is still the main fundraiser the charity. To support ACES email acesaidforchildrenofelsalvador@gmail.com or call 01386 861184.