A CHARITY with a branch in Blackburn has been helping refugees affected by the crisis in Chechnya.

Islamic Relief says it is the only relief agency working in Russia to help refugees.

The group, whose North West base is in Audley, Blackburn, has been providing blankets, coal, clean water, food and medical aid.

Problems have been caused by the movement of refugees from a rail carriage camp in Severnii to Chechnya.

It is estimated that 300 people, mainly women and children, have died because of the severe weather conditions.

They have been using railway wagon, cars, buses and tented camps as shelter against the cold but their living conditions are described as "at best grim, overcrowded and without any heating".

About 93 tonnes of food per week is being distributed amongst 4,100 refugee families and the figure is likely to increase to 8,000 families.

North West branch fund-raiser Mr Athman Khan said: "We don't know when we can get any more aid to Chechnya.

"At the moment it is coming from countries closer to Russia.

"We are always in need of support through donations of goods and money to continue our work."

For further information ring Islamic Relief North West on 01254 676318.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.