PEOPLE are being urged to help victims of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster by donating food and clothing.

Durham City Council is supporting one of a convoy of lorries due to set off for Chernobyl in March.

It is being provided free by one of the council's suppliers, Transmore, and people are being urged to help fill it.

David Marrs, the council's director of community services, said: "We hear so much about the horrific effects of the Chernobyl accident, and the devastating consequences it had on young lives.

"This convoy gives us all a chance to get involved in helping to do something which may help to make life a bit more bearable for the Chernobyl children."

The council is appealing for essential items such as children's clothing, toys and games, school equipment, toiletries, linen, towels, cutlery and crockery.

An appeal has also been made for basic foodstuffs such as rice to be donated.

The council has arranged for collection points to be established at Abbey, Coxhoe, Deerness, Meadowfield and Sherburn sports centres.

Donations can also be made at council offices in Meadowfield, Claypath, Byland Lodge, Dragonville, and Saddler Street.

All donations must be received by Monday, March 10, and the convoy, organised by the GMB trade union, will set off on Monday, March 17.