FOUR friends have launched a fundraising campaign to help a Turkish child who suffered serious injuries in a house fire.

The friends, who all live in the Bishop Auckland area, met the toddler's family two years ago while they were on holiday in Gumbat, in Turkey.

Sylvia and Jim Ross, Susan Starling and Tommy Barraclough were all welcomed into the mountain village of Belik Yurdu Mah and kept in touch with the girl's uncle.

Mr Barraclough said: "Gengas worked in a restaurant we visited and we all got on really well. His whole family treated us so well and never asked for anything in return."

Mr Ross said: "They have virtually nothing. They work all day to earn a pittance and think nothing about sharing it around the whole village."

When Ms Starling and Mr Barraclough travelled to the resort earlier this year, they met up with Gengas, who said his two-year-old niece, Gamze, had been badly burned in a house fire.

Ms Starling said: "Her parents and family could work for a lifetime and never afford the skin grafts that she needs.

"They have not asked for our help, but we feel we have to try to help."

Mrs Ross said: "The pictures of Gamze since the fire are heartbreaking.

"She could lose her fingers and will be badly disfigured without surgery."

A fundraising night to help Gamze, featuring a disco and prizes, is being held at the Two Blues pub, on the Woodhouse Close Estate,on Saturday, October 26, 7pm.

Any local businesses or individuals that can offer a donation can call Ms Starling on 0781 6019563, or Mrs Ross on 0773 4165156.

Anyone who can offer free entertainment for the evening is also invited to call.