A FUNERAL company is collecting unwanted underwear to help vulnerable women in Africa.

The Co-operative Funeralcare, in Shildon, County Durham, is supporting the Knickers 4 Africa charity, which sends underwear and baby clothes to women in the poorest parts of the continent.

Barbara Bates, from the branch, said: “We read about women and girls in Africa who cannot afford underwear, which is considered to be a luxury, leaving them vulnerable to sexual abuse. We collect for other charities too and people in Shildon always donate generously.”

The knickers must be new and bras should be in good condition. The firm is also collecting baby clothes.

The appeal was launched by Shildon Mayor Gareth Howe, during a fundraising coffee morning yesterday, to replace raffle money which was stolen during a break-in at the Children in Distress charity shop, in Church Street, Shildon, earlier this month.

Councillor Howe said: “It is terrible to steal from a charity. The money raised from this event should have been extra for the shop, alongside the raffle money.”

Ms Bates was presented with a gift as a token of thanks for her community and fundraising work.

Underwear donations should be taken to the firm, in Church Street, from 10am to 2pm, weekdays.