A TRUCKLOAD of aid for the people of Grenada left Darlington this week.

Boxes and boxes of necessary items were despatched to London for shipping - the result of a hugely successful appeal by Darlington couple Mike and Jackie Cowan.

The Cowans launched the plea to help islanders hit by Hurricane Ivan in September, asking for items such as food, kitchen utensils and clothes. The response has been amazing.

"It has gone far better than I ever expected," said Mr Cowan, who is a postman.

Stockton haulage firm N T Whitfield took the boxes of aid free of charge to the Grenada High Commission. Mr Cowan's friend Geoff Bailey - part-owner of the firm - organised the help.

Whinfield School and local churches also made major contributions, and the Meadow Lane Construction firm provided a dozen boxes of vital supplies.

"When I went to pick these up I was expecting a couple of boxes," said Mr Cowan. "I was quite moved when I saw what they had got together. I couldn't believe it I must also thank my Royal Mail colleagues and customers who have done a great job."

He paid particular tribute to the people of Bolam who, he said, must have sent an item of aid each.

On Monday, Eddie Edwards from Northallerton helped load up the 70-plus boxes. He had learned about the appeal through friends at Ochis restaurant in Darlington. Mr Edwards is from Grenada, and settled here after a spell in the British army.

He now runs a gym in Northallerton but wants to return to Grenada. He had already taken a car load of aid to London but came to help Mr Cowan, also bringing donations from Northallerton.

The Cowans fell in love with Grenada on their first visit in 2000 and returned to build a home there. Their bungalow was one of very few to escape damage when Hurricane Ivan struck, wrecking properties and costing 40 lives. The couple now plan to move to Grenada permanently.

"We have had boxes of stuff all over the house," said Mr Cowan. "The North-East has once again come up trumps and on behalf of the people of Grenada there is a huge thank-you. They are the ones who will really benefit."

But one gift was extra special: a toy tiger from villagers in Bolam. This is for Kendra, a little girl who is the adoptive god-daughter of the Cowans.

"It is a Christmas gift just for her," said Mr Cowan. "No-one knows just what it will mean to her."