Rotarians are off to the Ukraine to provide new toilets and showers for orphans.

As many as 140 youngsters aged between six and 16 currently share a hole in the ground as a toilet at the orphanage in Uzhgorod.

But members of the Birstall Luddites Rotary Club, along with other clubs in the area, have launched an appeal to raise at least £6,000 to help alleviate their suffering.

Rotarian David Goldthorpe said: "The hole in the ground is in an open-fronted shelter a hundred metres from the hovel they call home.

"Bearing in mind the temperatures in this area drop to -35 degrees Centigrade in winter, the situation is desperate."

The project, which has already been given the go-ahead by the local authority in Uzhgorod, includes new shower rooms, boys' and girls' separate bathrooms, toilets and a new laundry room. The cost also takes into account sewer reconstruction and supplying hot water - a luxury the children do not currently have.

"Unfortunately neither the Rotary Club in the Ukraine nor the authority there has any money to proceed with the project," said Mr Goldthorpe.

"Generous donations so far mean that the project can at least be started."

The plight of the orphans came to light when Birstall Luddite members Mr Gold-thorpe, John Mackail and club president Keith Davison took humanitarian aid to the Ukraine last year.

In May they will be taking another convoy to the Ukraine with items urgently required for a cancer-care clinic, a paediatric hospital, a general hospital and schools. Other items are needed for the orphanages and needy children and adults.

The journey will be undertaken by ten Rotarians along with Yvonne Goldthorpe and Rachel Mackail, of Horbury and Ossett Inner Wheel Club.

They will be driving a van loaded with children's clothes.

Sponsorship from local businesses and donations are welcome.

A full list of needed goods, including new or good-quality used clothes, bedding and tools, is available and collection can be arranged.

Contact David Goldthorpe on (01924) 462711.