The plight of the refugees fleeing from Kosovo has touched the hearts of people across North Yorkshire.

WE WANT TO HELP: Sue Preston, waitress Jemma Stead and Geoff Preston, of Eastgate Tea Rooms, Pickering

Families, community groups and charities are keen to do all they can to help alleviate the suffering.

Dr David Hope, Archbishop of York, made a special plea for tolerance in his televised Easter Day service.

Dr Hope, who has lived and worked in Eastern Europe, contrasted Christ's message of peace with the horrors seen daily in Kosovo, where men are being massacred and women and children forced out of their homes.

He called for prayers and practical help for the Kosovars and congregations across North Yorkshire remembered the refugees at their own Easter Sunday services.

Former district nurse Susan Preston, who now runs a tea room in Pickering, is typical of those who have contacted the Evening Press wanting to contribute.

Susan and her husband Geoff and their daughter Jo, who is also a trained nurse, said they have been so moved by the heart-rending scenes on television they were tempted to shut up shop and go off to offer what help they could.

"When we saw the pictures of injured children stumbling along it was just terrible," said Susan.

"Elderly people have had to a take to the roads as well - these are people at the most vulnerable ends of humanity.

"You feel you have got to do something - you can't just sit back and watch it unfold.

"You just want to offer to take them in - I am sure people across England would be willing to open their homes if the Kosovars could be brought here."

The family have now pledged to start a fundraising campaign and are contacting various aid agencies to see which items are most urgently needed by the dispossessed Kosovars.

"What we want to do is to raise money for tents and basic equipment," said Susan.

Aid agencies have welcomed worldwide pledges of support in providing temporary care for refugees but have warned that for some time is running out.

Nato continued its "nights of fire" policy against Serb targets as misiles from air and sea forces pounded Yugoslav and Kosovo again earlier today.

Addressing the congregation at York Minster, the Archbishop said: "Easter speaks to us of the respect and dignity which is owed to every human person quite respective of ethnic background, race, colour or religion."

"The diversity and difference which makes us who and what we are is to be respected - not brutally repressed."

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