A KOSOVAN challenge - and the realisation of a dream - awaits a Cleveland education chief.

Redcar and Cleveland council deputy education director Mr Alan Packer is taking up a new job as finance adviser on contract to the European Union in Kosovo.

For him, it ends a long wait for the chance to work in a troubled part of the world.

Mr Packer, who lives in Northallerton, spent six months in the war-torn country last year. He expects to stay at least 12 months when he flies out in July to act as a mentor to local teams rebuilding Kosovo's democratic structures.

"The province is divided into 30 council areas," said Mr Packer, "and local councillors were elected last November.

"Each council has appointed Kosovan directors for public services and there are small teams of people starting to deliver each of the services.

"That is where I and other local government officers from Western Europe come in. The invitation is to act as mentors to the teams, helping them in providing models of good practice.

"On this visit, my role will principally be as a finance adviser. I don't quite where yet."

Mr Packer knows the task will not be easy.

"There is a new crisis in the Balkans, this time in Macedonia," he said. "Ethnic tensions are in danger of erupting. Kosovo is already starting to receive refugees and the people are now providing Macedonians with the hospitality they got when the crisis was in Kosovo."

However, there is family backing for the move. His wife, Mary, an obstetrician and gynaecologist, will join him in October, ready to work in areas of women's health and family planning.

But there are also regrets about leaving Redcar and Cleveland education department.

"My colleagues have shown a wonderful commitment to public services," said Mr Packer, "and I am pleased to have been part of a setting a warm and responsive tone in supporting schools in their achievements.

"I doubt I will find such strong working relationships again. That makes it hard to leave, but I have had a 22-year plan to work overseas in a country in difficulty and I now have the chance to realise that."