SNATCHED fake designer gear -- minus labels and logos -- is on its way to the orphans of Romania.

Thanks to Leigh and Wigan Trading Standards department stings more goods than ever before have been confiscated this year from illicit traders in the borough.

But instead of banishing the counterfeit clothing to the furnace as usual the consumer watchdogs have decided to help the Tawd Vale Lions' mercy mission to the troubled east European state.

Chief trading standards officer Alan Blundell said the false brand names -- Nike, Adidas, Reebok, Rockport and Tommy Hilfiger, and logos, are removed from the articles before they are sent.

He said: "This is a great cause and we'll be happy to continue supporting it in the future."

The clothing will be distributed across 12 drops at orphanages, old folk's homes and hospitals in the Mategana Province.