BLACKBURN Rovers hitman Andy Cole has his sights firmly set on a new goal -- raising money for starving children.

The £7million striker has teamed up with singer Lulu to launch an emergency appeal to feed orphans in Zimbabwe who are facing critical food shortages.

The appeal comes at a time when Zimbabwe has been suspended by the Commonwealth for 12 months after allegations of vote-rigging were levelled at President Robert Mugabe.

It is estimated that as much as 90 per cent of maize crops have failed in Zimbabwe. Basic staple foods are also in short supply and alternatives have rocketed in price.

With some 600,000 children living on the streets, the Andy Cole Children's Foundation, set up by the player some years ago, is working closely with Hope for Children, of which Lulu is the patron, hoping to raise at least £10,000 to bring immediate relief.

Since Andy visited Zimbabwe several years ago and saw the plight of children living on the street and orphaned due to the AIDS/HIV pandemic, he has committed himself to bringing relief to the children.

When he heard of the impending food crises, the Worthington Cup final hero said: "I was very disappointed to see that children could be going hungry through no fault of their own and hope my foundation can make a real difference.

"As my foundation launches this emergency appeal, together with Hope for Children, I know that every pound raised could mean the difference between life and death for some of these kids."

Lulu added: "Together with Andrew I have launched this appeal to raise awareness of the food shortages in Zimbabwe, please join us in pledging your support to the appeal."

For further information contact Chris Clarke on 0870 751 8305. or send your donations directly to Andy Cole Children's Foundation Emergency Appeal, FREEPOST, Salford Quays, M5 9PP or visit their website to make a secure online donation www.andycolecf.com.