BOXES filled with emergency goods are winging their way to victims of the Iranian earthquake, thanks to the kind-heartedness of Amesbury Rotary Club members.

They have been collecting items to send to the people of Bam, following last month's earthquake there, in which 30,000 people were killed and a further 16,000 injured.

The goods are packed into 'Aquaboxes', which also contain a tap and filtration packet, so that they can be turned into water purification containers.

Rotarian John Haywood said: "The boxes are filled with a survival kit - everything you can think of for a family of four - including pots, pans, clothing, first-aid kits, stuff to make a shelter, knives, forks and spoons.

"And, when they're empty, you can filter dirty water into the box and there are enough filters there to provide a family with water for four months.

"It's an amazing system because the first thing you need in a disaster situation is water."

Aquabox is an official project of the Rotary Club of Great Britain.

Mr Haywood has been involved in the appeal for several years.

He said residents living in and around Amesbury had always been very generous with their donations.

"We have managed to fill 40 boxes in the past and we've got another nine on order and two we just finished filling yesterday.

"Altogether, we hope to send 11 boxes to Iran," he said.

Once the boxes have been filled, they are taken to a central depot in the Midlands.

"All our boxes went out to Iran last week," said Mr Haywood.

"The main depot is now empty and we are busy trying to fill it up again, so that we are ready for the next emergency. Aquaboxes really make a big difference in a disaster area - the boxes at least give people a chance."

If you would like to help the Rotary Club of Amesbury with its ongoing Aquabox appeal, contact John Haywood, on 01980 590484.