In pictures: Villagers under siege

A string of ethnic Albanian villages in the northern hills of Macedonia have been under army bombardment since being taken over by rebels. Many residents have been taking refuge in cellars - but aid agencies say conditions are worsening and food is running out.

Cellars have become home for village children

Bread-making and baby-care in a Slupcane cellar

In a lull in the fighting, villagers emerge into the daylight

The shelling has left the town scarred....

...and there is gruesome evidence of its impact on village streets

Elderly people have fled, not knowing when they can return

Young as well as old are on the move

Aid workers have been ferrying people to safety where possible...

...others have made their own escape - across the border into Kosovo