TWO doctors are planning to use their medical skills to help with the humanitarian crisis in Iraq.

Consultant anaesthetists Dr Steve Benford and Dr Karim Hussain, of the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, are flying to the country for two weeks.

They are going as part of Human Relief Foundation's aid programme to Iraq, which aims to deliver essential food, medication and care. It hopes to alleviate the distress of ordinary men, women and children who have been left traumatised by the death of family and friends and devastated by the loss of homes, possessions and food.

The doctors will be taking money, food and equipment with them, thanks to the generosity of local people and health trust staff who helped with donations.

Dr Benford said: "Dr Hussain and I are looking forward to putting our experience and skills as anaesthetists to good use in Iraq and to support the people and help alleviate suffering."