South East Water workers Tony Baker and Geoff Bentley have taken aid to the Balkans no less than seven times. And their efforts have now been officially recognised at a recent surprise ceremony where they were presented with the Slovenian Medal and Diploma for Services to Humanity.

Since the conflict in the Balkans started several years ago, Tony and Geoff have driven to Slovenia six times, stuffing a company supplied transit van full of everything from toiletries and clothes to toys and blankets.

As the situation in Slovenia had improved quite considerably, this year, they felt that the need of the Kosovan refugees was greater and planned an aid trip to this region. Tony wrote to his contacts in Slovenia to explain, and received a swift reply asking him and Geoff to ‘call in to say hello’ on the way back.

On their arrival, they found themselves honoured guests at a huge Red Cross award ceremony, and starring on the local TV news programme.

Tony said: “We were completely taken aback. We had absolutely no idea this was going to happen. Apparently it was the first time non-nationals had ever received such an award, so it really was a great honour for us.“

Geoff continues: “It was a great evening, and one we will never forget. We stayed well into the early hours, dancing the polka more times that we probably care to remember, but certainly arrived home with a few stories to tell.”