A CHARITY'S bid to take aid to Polish orphans has been given a cash boost to help with travel expenses.

Humanitarian Aid to Lithuanian Orphans (Halo), which has storage premises in Willington, near Crook, is planning a trip to orphanages in Poland in October.

Alan Brunskill, from the charity, said it needed £2,000 to get two vans into the country to deliver the gifts.

Windows, doors and conservatory company Stormguard, of Crook, has helped by giving £350 for the trip.

Company director Martin Cummins speaking on behalf of himself and his partner, Paul Cooper, said: "We both know Alan and there is a lot of hard work that goes into the trips and raising the money."

Sporting equipment is one of the important items on the list for the aid trip, as well as clothes, shoes, sleeping bags and other necessities.

Mr Brunskill said: "We need to get these children outside and taking part in activities, so we would like donations of sporting equipment and sleeping bags.''

Anyone who would like to make a donation can contact Mr Brunskill on (01388) 458311.