THE Dean of Blackburn has praised the generosity of the people of the town who helped raise almost £7,000 for a fund-raising appeal.

The Blackburn with Darwen Afghanistan Interfaith Appeal was launched in February by the Dean, the Very Rev Christopher Armstrong, Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Coun John Williams, and Salim Mulla, chairman of the Interfaith Council.

Blackburn MP and Foreign Secretary Jack Straw backed the appeal and was present at the official launch.

It started with the Muslim Hajj festival -- February 22 -- and ran until Easter -- a Christian celebration on March 31.

Collection boxes were placed in churches and schools throughout the borough and a number of fundraising initiatives took place -- including an "auction of treats" at Blackburn Cathedral.

Among the many items under the hammer was a ride in a Porsche, dinner with the Bishop and the opportunity to have your shoes - and those of your family - cleaned by Mr Armstrong. The Dean also paid to have his hair spiked like Pop Idol Gareth Gates.

The appeal was so successful the final amount has only just been announced with a grand total of £6,990.65.

All monies will be passed on to the Save the Children organisation which is working to bring relief to youngsters in a country ravaged by a war on terrorism.

Mr Armstrong said he was delighted.

He said: "While this is clearly a humble figure compared to the aid still required in Afghanistan, it really is a startling sum for such an appeal restricted by time and place. The amount raised in six weeks is twice the average annual collection for Save the Children in this area. This is an encouraging result."

A statement released by all three involved in the appeal - Mr Armstrong, Coun Williams and Coun Mulla - added: "This collection was a very practical way by which members of the various communities in Blackburn could express their common concern for a poor peoplez who have suffered terrible through political aggression."