SCHOOLCHILDREN are being asked to help rebuild a country ravaged by civil war. Two charities have joined forces and are appealing to people in the town to donate essential items needed to reconstruct Sierra Leone.

Mike Thomas from Future in Our Hands and Dominic Muindi from Swindon-based charity, African Community Initiative Services have sent a letter to Swindon schools asking their pupils to get involved.

The two want children to fill shoes boxes with basic first-aid and health supplies such as plasters, bandages, safety pins, cotton wool, iron and B complex multi vitamins, and anti-septic cream.

The last time Mike undertook a shoebox appeal in 1996, ten Swindon schools collected around £4,000-worth of emergency supplies.

Members of the public are also being asked to donate carpentry tools, sewing materials and masonry tools so people can start up income generating initiatives. Toys, books, pens, sport equipment and jigsaws are also welcomed.

Last week, the technical development advisor for Future in Our Hands in Sierra Leone, Mohamad Bangura visited Swindon to help launch the appeal.

He said: "We appreciate all the help from people in Swindon.

"We welcomed the shoeboxes when they arrived.

"Everyone was so happy when we distributed them."

For more information on the appeal or to deliver donated items contact Dominic on 320599 or Mike on 532353.