Bantams star Dan Petrescu is backing a Bradford campaign which aims to help feed families in his native Romania.

The million-pound man is supporting the European National Children's Trust Harvest Appeal 2000, being launched in Bradford at the Thornbury Centre, Leeds Old Road, on Thursday.

A spokesman for Bradford City confirmed Dan was backing the campaign and hoped to be at the launch.

Schools and churches in the area have been gathering bags of sugar, flour, rice and pasta to send to Romania.

Volunteers from Bradford are busy organising a truck to drive supplies to eastern Europe and help families hit by a failed harvest.

Appeal organiser Brunel James said: "It's brilliant that Bradford's most famous Romanian resident is backing our appeal.

"We support Bradford City and they're supporting us."

The appeal will culminate on October 15 with a harvest service at 10am and lunch at noon in the Thornbury Centre, Bradford, after which the truck will be waved on its way.

The nationwide appeal, which helped stricken families in Kosovo last year, was called after a baking summer in Romania led to a poor summer harvest.

Mr James said: "So far the response has been really good and we hope to send two or three members of the public over to Romania to deliver whatever we collect.

"But we could do with more help. If anyone could lend us a five-tonne truck for the trip, it would be extremely appreciated and help us greatly."

To help out with the Harvest Appeal 2000, ring the Thornbury Centre on 01274 666649 or e-mail brunel@waitrose.com.