A BURLEY-IN-WHARFEDALE pub has joined forces with a Wharfedale charity to become a collection point for blankets to be sent to flood-hit Mozambique.

The Red Lion public house, on Main Street, is to be a makeshift depot for Wharfedale's contribution to the 500,000 blankets being sought in a nation-wide campaign.

The charity Wharfedale Lions were holding an emergency meeting at the pub to decide how best to drum up support and collect the blankets for the devastated African country.

Landlady Barbara Hern overheard their discussion and approached the members about making the pub a drop-off point for the appeal.

Mrs Hern said: "I overheard them talking and it seemed as if it would save time to drop them off here instead of going from house to house. It is a central point for the village and its easy for people to bring them in here."

Jim Shelton, secretary of the charity said: "We are very grateful for her offer of help. It will make our job a lot easier not having to hunt around for somewhere."

Anyone who wishes to donate a blanket should take it to the Red Lion Hotel, where members of the Wharfedale Lions will collect it. The charity can also be contacted on (01943) 862352 to collect blankets for those who are unable to deliver them.

l THE Post Office has set up a 999 PO Box to speed donations to the Disasters Emergency Committee's appeal in aid of the Mozambique flood victims.

Gary Irvin, The Post Office's Head of Social Policy said: "This appeal is in response to the widespread suffering caused by this terrible disaster. We are providing a vital link between UK donors and the committee, ensuring the money reaches the appeal quickly."

The appeal will initially last four weeks and donations can be made over the counter at post offices nationwide. Donations with cheques made payable to the Mozambique Floods Appeal can be sent by post to: Mozambique Floods Appeal, PO Box 999, London, EC3A 9AA.

Further details are available from the Disasters Emergency Committee on 0207 5806550.

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