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

A major project was launched when locals at the Britannia Inn in Urmston decided that something had to be done to help the thousands of people in Kosova fleeing across the border.

Brothers Chris and Jeff Mullarky, along with pal Eamon Allen - all from Urmston - got the ball rolling on a campaign that has now expanded into a huge community operation.

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

They 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 day they had filled over 80 large bags!

Chris Mullarky told SUM "The response has been unbelievable - we 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 at the empty Co-operative store on Flixton Road, ready for a team of at least ten lorries which will be transporting the aid on April 23 - St George's day.

Funds are still needed, however, to pay for the transport trucks which will cost £4000 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).

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