FOREIGN Secretary and Blackburn MP Jack Straw has officially opened the first International Aid Trust charity shop in Blackburn.

The shop, at 80 New Chapel Street, Mill Hill is one of a growing network established by the charity which carries out humanitarian work at home and abroad. Organisers are now appealing for more volunteers to man the shop which will provide a focal point for fund raising activities in Blackburn.

The Withnell-based charity was established 11 years ago by The Rev Bernard Cocker after he visited the former Soviet Union and was moved by images of pain and suffering. The charity' work includes delivering aid to help underprivileged children, especially in Eastern Europe.

It has established a recuperation centre near the Black Sea coast which is visited every year by 2,000 needy children. The charity also despatched a convoy of lorries carrying aid for the Kosovan refugees fleeing the Serbs in April 1999.

Anyone interested in helping at the new shop should call 01254 832 333.