PEOPLE in Bolton are being asked to help the starving children of war-torn Sudan.

Fundraising activities are taking place across the country to raise thousands of pounds for emergency aid via UNICEF's Children of Sudan Appeal.

As Andrea Lock, North-west regional fundraising manager for the famous international children's charity, explained generous people in the Bolton area raised nearly £3,000 for youngsters who survived the devastating earthquake in Iran early this year.

"And we hope they will feel able to help the many children in the Sudan who urgently need assistance right now," she said.

The money raised will supply desperately needed clean water. It will also pay for vaccination of children against deadly diseases like measles and polio, and for treatment for the many suffering from malnutrition.

"Tragically," added Andrea, "children's lives are being lost daily in Darfur, and will continue to be lost unless we take immediate action."

To make a donation to the Children of Sudan Day Appeal, please call 0161 798 4552 or send a cheque or postal order payable to UNICEF to UNICEF UK, PO Box 254, Prestwich, Manchester M25 3WT.