SACKFULS of warm blankets and clothes were today being sent from East Lancashire to help refugees caught up in the Kosovo conflict.

Scouts in the area gave their support to an emergency collection as part of a national humanitarian initiative launched by British Airways and The Daily Express.

Organisers are staggered by the response of the public who made donations throughout the week at Bowley Scout Camp in Great Harwood.

East Lancashire County Commissioner Chris Creelman said: "The response we have had from the public has been absolutely amazing.

"There was constant stream of people with donations and we have got enough to fill three lorries at least."

Baxenden-based Holland Pies took about nine tons of blankets and clothes after staff staged their own appeal.

Haulage firm CSH Transport of Great Harwood stepped in with a seven and a half ton wagon to help get the huge mountain of goods to a Northern central collection point in Selby.

The charity Pendle for Romania also helped with the operation. Goods from across the country will be flown to Yugoslavia from RAF Lyneham, Wiltshire, on Thursday.

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