AID for earthquake victims is on its way from locals with friends in disaster-hit Turkey.

Astley and Tyldesley Miners Welfare holiday club members, who have struck a close bond with Turks on regular visits, want to do everything they can to help.

And A & T trustee and holiday organiser Joe Gorringe is urging others to support the appeal for clothing, blankets, soaps and toys, or donations, to help the needy in the aftermath of the 30,000-killer quake.

Mr Gorringe told The Journal: "A good friend of ours, Nazir Khan, comes from the outskirts of Sakarya where 800 were killed and 3,000 injured.

"I have spoken to Naz and fortunately his family, who farm hazelnuts on the outskirts of town, are OK.

"But we have made many friends in Turkey and we want to do everything possible to help.

"We have been in contact with the Turkish Embassy and hope to send donations on board a Turkish Airlines cargo flight."

And a determined Mr Gorringe vowed: "If they won't take supplies we'll hire a container and deliver them ourselves."

Aid supplies, particularly clothing and blankets, may be taken to Astley & Tyldesley MW Club in Meanley Road, Gin Pit village; Greenfields Private Members Club, Wigan Road, Westhoughton (01942 811380) or during office hours at The Journal office, 44/46 Railway Road, Leigh.

If transport is a problem, arrangements can be made to collect, call 01942 883067 for details.

An army of club volunteers has begun sifting through clothing, washing items, ironing them and sorting in to sizes.

Donations can be made out to A & T Miners Welfare Turkish Disaster Fund.

Naz was pictured with Gin Pit holidaymakers in The Journal of August 12 when the Mayor of Fethiye invited a delegation to his parlour.

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