A YORK woman who has spent the past year working with disadvantaged children in Romania is back in the city to raise money for her fourth trip to the Eastern European country.

Katie Sammons, 25, of Moray Close, Strensall, has become so attached to the gipsy children she teaches in the shanty town of Tirqumures, Transsylvania, that she is desperate to spend at least another year working there.

Miss Sammons first went to Romania with the Scarborough-based charity, Sidewalk Youth Organisation, and she has returned every year since. In the past she has raised enough money to rebuild a home that was destroyed by fire.

She said: "I go into the school which is based on the edge of the shanty town where the gipsy children go. They are allowed at the regular schools, but there is so much racism that they get bullied a lot and end up not going at all, so the Romanians set up this school for them.

"We make sure they get a hot meal once a day. The English I teach them is mainly for fun, it's a lesson they look forward to. We also keep basic hygiene up to a certain standard, and I also go with the kids to see their families.

"I have got so attached to the people over there. I love the country and the work I do."

Miss Sammons is hoping to raise about £3,000 in order to make the trip again this year.

For more information or to give to the fund, phone 07905 740256 or 01723 500694.

Updated: 11:39 Saturday, May 04, 2002