FOREIGN Secretary and Blackburn MP Jack Straw has backed a unique interfaith appeal to aid refugees in stricken areas of Afghanistan.

The Blackburn with Darwen Afghanistan Appeal has been launched by representatives from the council, Blackburn Cathedral and the borough's Interfaith Council. It began on February 22, when the Islamic community celebrated Hajj, and ends at the Christian festival of Easter on March 31.

Money raised will fund the work done by Save the Children, in Harat, north-west Afghanistan.

Mr Straw, who was recently in the country's capital, Kabul, where he witnessed at first hand the suffering, said the appeal was an excellent idea. Meeting with the appeal's representatives at Blackburn Cathedral, he said: "I have been very impressed with the efforts that the Interfaith Initiative have made in organising this appeal for the people of Afghanistan.

"The people have suffered for decades under a regime that prevented any cultural and economic development and caused great suffering and poverty. As a result the country is now one of the poorest in the world. The Blackburn with Darwen Afghanistan Appeal will, I hope, improve people's lives and enable the population to build a more prosperous and open country."

Mr Straw said more than £2billion had been pledged by the world's richest nations towards the rebuilding of Afghanistan, but public support was essential as much work carried out in the country was by voluntary organisations which survived through constant financial backing.

Mr Straw said: "Blackburn with Darwen is a culturally diverse area with a population made up of people from a variety of ethnic and religious backgrounds. We have a good record within the area and with the co-operation of as many schools, community groups, work places and places of worship as possible, this appeal should not only help the people of Afghanistan but will also bring the people of Blackburn with Darwen closer together.

"It gives me a sense of great pride to know that groups within my own constituency are taking a lead in the difficult task of assisting the needy of Afghanistan."

The appeal was launched by the Dean of Blackburn, the Very Rev Christopher Armstrong, Coun Salim Mulla, chairman of the borough's Interfaith Council, and the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Coun John Williams.