Doctors are scouring Europe for donor hearts to save the lives of two desperately ill children.

Coordinators at the Freeman Hospital, in Newcastle, have taken the unusual step of faxing transplant centres across the continent in the hope of saving the boy and girl.

The unidentified youngsters have been waiting several months for transplants.

The team is pleading with people to consider becoming organ donors and to discuss the issue with their families.

Transplant coordinator Lynn Holt said: "Time is running out for both children and we have taken the unusual step of looking abroad for a match.

"We have been getting slightly more donor offers in recent weeks but we are desperate at the moment, especially for children's organs.

"Unfortunately, many of our patients cannot afford to wait."

Nationwide, about 5,400 people are waiting for transplants, There are 32 people waiting for hearts at the Freeman, almost 100 waiting for lung transplants, and five who need both.

Last year, Sally Slater, seven, was just hours from death when a heart became available for her at the Freeman.

Her father Jon, 37, of Kirby Malham, North Yorkshire, said: "My message for everyone is not to let the support for organ donation fizzle out.

"Sally is just one of many who would not be here today if organ donors who saved their lives had not made their wishes known to their loved ones. I urge others to do the same."