A TEAM effort is behind a North-East mercy mission to Belarus.

A van full of aid is on its way to the area thanks to the efforts of the District of Easington Council, the GMB union and vehicle hire company Burnt Tree, which has provided the vehicle

It will transport much-needed food, clothing, toiletries and hospital equipment to the deprived area.

The goods have been donated by local schools, churches and Brownie groups from throughout the North-East.

Each school or organisation held collections.

It will take about two weeks for the volunteers to deliver the aid and return to the UK.

The aid van left from Easington council offices this week.

On hand to give the team of volunteers an official send-off was Easington Council chairman, Bill Gustard council leader, Alan Napier and Burnt Tree manager Alan Stephenson.