WINCHESTER-based soldiers are hoping to come to the aid of two Kosovo schools which remain desperately short of education supplies.

The Band of the Adjutant General's Corps, based at Worthy Down, are currently serving in the region as medics with 24 Armoured Field Ambulance Group.

They left in August and were keen to set up a project for the benefit of the local civilian community.

The two schools they want to help are in Kosovo Polje. They are rundown, poorly supplied and in desperate need of help.

Captain Bob Meldrum, director of the band, visited both schools for the first time last month.

He said: "I arrived unannounced and was immeasurably moved by what I saw.

"The buildings were sparse, cold and uninviting and the classrooms lacked even the simplest supplies of pens, paper and pencils."

He added: "The teachers, who have witnessed horrific acts, still have the will to teach and the children are brilliant in spite of all that has happened. They can smile and are polite and eager to try out their English."

Sgt Tom Whitehurst, based at Worthy Down, is co-ordinating the collection point in the UK and is keen to receive stationery, electrical goods including old computers, music machines, sports and science equipment.

He said: "We'd be grateful to receive even a box of stationary, such is the plight of these children."

The fundraisers hope to ship out the equipment on December 6.

If you would like to help these schools you can contact Sgt Whitehurst at Worthy Down on 01962 887720.

He will arrange a suitable collection point.

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