A TIMBER firm which was hit by fire is hoping others in the trade will help them protect a local charity.

Chopsticks was set up in Northallerton in 1995 by a group from Mencap, chopping timber into kindling for sale at local shops while providing adults with learning difficulties with work.

The venture has been such a success that the organisation is seeking larger premises.

But, the fire at North Yorkshire Timber last weekend seemed likely to starve Chopsticks of its raw material because 95 per cent of the wood came from the company's Northallerton yard.

Since the blaze, the firm has been able to find enough timber to stave off disaster and to tide the charity over. It is also promising a glut of raw material once loss adjusters have had time to asses the damage and free the damaged stock, which will make ideal firewood.

But, spokesman Tom Flanagan said North Yorkshire Timber would welcome hearing from anyone who can help in the meantime.

"We have a symbiotic relationship with Chopsticks in that helping them helps us," he said. "However, they do a sterling job for the rest of the community as well and we don't want to see them struggle.

"We wouldn't expect a shortage of wood to last much more than a couple of weeks, but we would be grateful to hear from anyone who could help us tide Chopsticks over in the meantime."

Anyone who can step in can telephone (01609) 780777.