LOCAL PEOPLE have rallied together to collect emergency aid in an amazing display of compassion after witnessing the plight of refugees of the fighting in Kosovo on television.

A major project was launched when locals at a Trafford pub decided that something had to be done to help the thousands of people in Kosovo fleeing across the border.

Brothers Chris and Jeff Mullarky, along with pal Eamon Allen got the ball rolling on a campaign that has now expanded in to a huge community operation.

The group have been using a room above the Britannia Inn, Urmston, as a base to organise the project, donated by landlord Alan Jones who has been actively involved in the campaign since the beginning.

The generous-hearted group began by leafleting areas in Trafford asking for volunteers and even used a loudspeaker van to tour the district appealing for food, clothing, blankets and shoes.

By the end of the first day they had filled over 80 large bags and soon they had teams of volunteers ready to help.

Chris Mullarky told SAM: "The response has been unbelievable - we are have been unindated with faxes and calls from businesses and people wanting to help - it has been brilliant".

The local recruits have been busy packing goods round the clock at the empty Co-operative store on Flixton Road, Urmston, ready for a team of at least ten lorries which will be transporting the aid on April 23rd - St George's Day.

It is thought that this operation is now one of the largest relief projects ever undertaken in the north west - with Manchester Aid for Kosovo Refugees, as the campaign has been called, being featured on both local television and radio.

Funds are still needed, however, to pay for the transport trucks which will cost £4,000 each to send out - so last minute appeals are being issued for cash donations.

If you would like to help, you can send cheques to the Britannia Inn, 21 Flixton Road, Urmston, M41 5AW and should make them payable to 'Kosovo Account Flixton Fellowship' (the registered charity number is 1060098).

One of the organisers told SAM: "This is a direct programme with virtually no overheads. Every penny given will go to help those in need. We have only a few days left - we need thousands of pounds and we appeal to individuals to and companies to respond."

For details of your nearest collection point or other details call 747 4860.

THE BUCK pub in Ashton Village, is also collecting clothes and toiletries for the refugees. Six lorry-loads of aid is set to travel to Kosovo next week - so if you would like to help and you live nearby, simply drop any bags round to the pub.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.