ENGLAND cricket captain Michael Vaughan has helped an Avoncliff woman's fight to improve conditions for youngsters in India.

Mr Vaughan stumbled upon Kathy Miller's Neem Tree Trust by chance and was so impressed with their work that he signed some cricket equipment for the charity.

The trust, named after the revered Neem Tree, was set up after Mrs Miller, 56, visited a disabled boys' home in Tamil Nadu in 1999.

She was so amazed by the home for the 80 disabled boys, many suffering from Polio, she set up the charity and now visits every year.

"It is an amazing place. I would not be myself if I didn't go," Mrs Miller said.

During her many trips to the country Mrs Miller has kept a video diary. Her friend, Jon Durrant of JD Video, edited the footage to make two promotional videos.

She took the tapes to a friend in Sheffield who asked to keep them to show some people, two of which were Michael Vaughan's parents.

They were impressed with the boys on the tape and their love of cricket so they sent the video to their son.

Mrs Miller said: "They showed Michael the tapes and he wanted to help.

"He autographed some stumps, two bats, three balls and two pairs of gloves. He also autographed a limited edition print."

Half the equipment and the signed picture will be auctioned to raise money to pay for a new vehicle for the home. The other equipment will go to the boys.