CHILDREN'S charity UNICEF has said a heartfelt "thank you" to Evening Press readers for donating nearly £4,000 to the children of Iraq.

Our Evening Press/UNICEF appeal has raised £3,994, since April, allowing the United Nation's Children's Fund to continue a massive emergency response in Iraq, and help children traumatised by war.

Martin Bell, the former BBC reporter and MP, who is UNICEF special representative for humanitarian emergencies, thanked Evening Press readers and said the "wonderful" sum would make a great difference to the children who continue to face an uncertain future. He said: "The children are the country's future. And the children's situation is truly desperate. Those I met in Iraq expressed their hope to build a future for themselves in a world without war and violence - if only they are given the chance.

"On behalf of the women and children of Iraq and from everyone at UNICEF - thank you."

Besides donating money directly, some readers got actively involved in fundraising, including York College student Victoria Wilkie, who raised £83 with a 24-hour sponsored silence.

Youth worker Stephen Rouse launched a fundraising drive aimed at teenagers, to encourage those without disposable income to get involved by donating clothes, CDs and videos towards a bring-and-buy sale. Your money will now help UNICEF to restore a sense of normality to the lives of the children. It will help the organisation provide a clean, safe water supply, therapeutic milk for malnourished babies, and help treat thousands of children suffering from diseases.

The cash will also help repair and build schools, plus finance the distribution of schools-in-a-box, ready to use kits of pens and paper, chalks and chalkboards, helping classes to continue even in looted schools where nothing has been left but the roof and bare walls.

Martin said: "During my recent visits to Basra in Southern Iraq, I saw first-hand the UNICEF supplies being delivered, bringing much-needed help and hope to regions where people have been crushed by their experiences of previous wars, economic sanctions and the current uncertain future.

"Your support for UNICEF shows your commitment to making the world a better place for future generations and helping all the world's children in their time of most need."

Updated: 09:54 Thursday, May 29, 2003