A GUTSY Stourbridge street pastor is about to head off on a three-month peacekeeping mission in the Middle East.

Elaine Marrey, of Norton, is leaving on Monday April 15 for Israel and the West Bank where she will be working to help civilians go about their daily lives as well assisting other peace groups, manning gates and checkpoints and monitoring human rights abuses.

The gung ho 64-year-old grandmother of ten, who attends St Michael's Church in Maynard Avenue, Norton, will be joining the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI) - a World Council of Churches initiative which invites internationals to experience life under occupation, provide a presence to vulnerable communities and support efforts to bring about a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Elaine, who is used to patrolling the streets of Stourbridge in her role as a street pastor, said she feels a “bit daunted” about the trip but she’s not ready to sit around with her cardigan and slippers on just yet.

She said: "I just felt it was something I could do. I’m not prepared to sit with my feet up yet.

“It’s part of my philosophy of life to be willing to be part of the answer to issues which concern me - and there’s evidence the presence of internationals improves things and is appreciated by locals.”

The retired physiotherapist from Poplar Crescent, who previously spent two years in Africa working on a disability programme in Ghana, says she’s confident she'll take the mission in her stride - and on her return she hopes to raise awareness of the project by giving talks and lectures to interested groups.