PROJECT Romania fundraisers have celebrated the group’s 25th anniversary by retracing the steps of six infamous rebels who travelled across Somerset to join the Monmouth Rebellion in 1685.

The original men trekked from villages in Somerset and Dorset with green sprigs tucked into their hats declaring their support for the Protestant uprising.

Now, supporters of Project Romania have followed the route in a bid to help bring more resources to the remote village of Buia in Eastern Europe.

Dawn Fletcher, of Project Romania, said: “It could bring more liberty to the remote village of Buia to people trapped in cultural traditions, people who would benefit from the Rainbow Centre of Hope.

“For 13 years the Rainbow Centre of Hope has been just that. A place bringing hope to a community that doesn’t have a lot of reason to hope.

“It’s been well used by the community and now, with permission to work there for further 10 years free of charge, final plans are taking shape.”

Those plans include adult educational courses to make villagers employable, residential respite weeks for deprived and disabled children, and more job creation.

Mrs Fletcher added: “Before any of the final renovations can be started, serious repair is needed on the main roof, due to the extreme Romanian winters.

“The target for these repairs is approximately £2,000 and the walk has raised £1,800 so far.

“Thus, fourteen walkers from St Mary’s Church and Chard Baptist Church, not wearing sprigs of greenery in their hats, set out from Lambert’s Castle in glorious sunshine and made their way to Lyme Regis.

“It was a very successful day, views were stunning, company good, and even crossing the busy A35 was uneventful.”

To donate, contact Ian Tucker at The Vicarage, Forton Road, Chard.