A FORMER Mayor of Worcester has re-launched a campaign to aid the survivors of last October's earthquake in the Pakistan-administered region of Kashmir.

After the incident he helped to generate more than £100,000 through his work with the council and his involvement with the Worcester Muslim Welfare Association.

Now he is asking people to donate blankets, sheets and clothing to keep residents in his home country warm during the winter.

He has already received hundreds of bags full of goods and has even persuaded the ferry company P&O to provide a huge container and ship them free of charge.

But he has hit one problem - he has run out of space to store the supplies in the meantime.

Several buildings are taking the bags and he has more than 60 in his own home. However, he says, he needs more space.

Coun Ditta said: "The people of Worcester have been brilliant with their donations of money and now we want clothing and bedding.

"I estimate it would take about 5,000 black bags filled with blankets and such to fill a container, which P&O have very kindly waived their usual £500 fee for.

"We are already doing very well and the appeal has just started. I would ask for businesses to help in another way, though, by providing some storage space. Even if it is just a small room for a dozen or more bags, it would help."

Mr Ditta lost several members of his family in the disaster. In his family village of Kalyal Sheroo, 56 people died. The total toll of the disaster was more than 75,000.

Now the Cathedral ward councillor has vowed to pick up bags himself if people want to donate. People can call him on 07798 711700.