A BROOCH from Cherie Blair is helping York Labour party members seeking to help in the liberation of Afghan women.

City Labour Party member Lesley Della Gana has asked friends and MPs to donate items for a stall at the party's Christmas fayre on Saturday.

And among the contributions was the item of jewellery from the Prime Minister's wife.

Other contributors include Baroness Jay, the daughter of former Prime Minister James Callaghan.

Cash raised will be given to the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan (RAWA).

Mrs Della Gana said: "RAWA struck me as a really good organisation to support, especially at the moment."

The group works in secret to bring worldwide attention to the plight of Afghan women who, under the Taliban, were banned from education, work and medical facilities.

Using hidden cameras secreted under burqas, RAWA members highlighted the beating and killing of Afghan citizens by the Taliban, at great risk - the Taliban punishment for membership was stoning to death.

The Labour Party Christmas fayre will be held in the Guildhall between 10am and 4pm on Saturday and is open to the public.

Updated: 12:30 Wednesday, November 28, 2001