FUND-raisers were today finishing counting money raised during an appeal for Afghanistan.

The Blackburn with Darwen Interfaith Appeal for Afghanistan has been collecting money for the charity Save the Children which is working in the war-torn area.

The appeal was launched in February by Dean of Blackburn the Very Rev Christopher Armstrong, Blackburn with Darwen Mayor Coun John Williams and chairman of Blackburn with Darwen Interfaith Council Coun Salim Mulla.

Blackburn MP and Foreign Secretary Jack Straw backed the appeal and was present at the official launch at Blackburn Cathedral.