A BUSINESSMAN man is appealing to people to donate unwanted sewing and knitting machines, carpentry or petrol-driven tools to the victims of the Pakistan earthquake.

Dilawaiz Khan of Pembroke Road, Erith, has been involved with charity work for his native Pakistan over a number of years and had hoped to use an unwanted tin roof from a building being demolished in Erith, as a roof for a new school and workshop for earthquake refugees.

But, having hired a container to ship the roof to Pakistan, the tin was removed and crushed before he could take it away.

Mr Khan still wants to press on with his plans to help victims of the earthquake, which happened in October last year, rebuild their lives by providing them with second-hand equipment to learn new skills.

With extra space now available in the container, he hopes to fill it with donated items to allow his fellow countrymen to learn carpentry, plumbing, electrical and mechanical skills as well as knitting and sewing.

Anyone with unwanted equipment they would like to donate, can call him on 01322 334414 or 07796 458727. Local collections can be arranged.