SUPPORTERS of the 'Light in the Darkness' project are holding a cream tea and coffee morning on Saturday August 27 to collect toys for Bulgarian orphans.

LITD was founded by Frank Abbas in 2005, who gave up his career as a logistics manager to live and work in the Vladislavovo gypsy ghetto in Varna.

Though the project is Christian-based, the goal is to help all those living in the diverse ghetto community, regardless of creed, and to promote co-existence between Bulgarians, gypsies and other ethnic minorities.

Helen Turner supports LITD and spoke of the amazing work going on: 'The ghetto has a population of 3,000 and until two years ago not one child from there went to school. Through the project, over 130 youngsters have now been registered to receive an education.

'The older boys get taught at the LITD centre and are doing well. We have been sending books, stationery and bottle green school uniforms to enable the young children to attend their local primary school.

'A recent trip in June to visit a special needs orphanage for 38 children revealed a treatment room with no equipment or therapy toys.

'We have put out a request for such robust items and the response so far has been excellent.

'The wish list we were given by the speech therapist ranges from wheel chairs to a metronome. In difficult financial times the response and kindness of local people has been amazing.'

The coffee morning will also act as a drop-off point for anyone who would like to donate items for the children. Though therapy toys and equipment is primarily what the project is looking for, donations of all kinds will be gratefully accepted.

The donations will be taken to Salisbury where the Trussell Trust will drive the items to Varna on a large lorry, to be distributed in time for Christmas.

The morning takes place from 9.30am to 3.30pm in Fairplace Church Hall.

If you would like any more information, call Helen Turner on 01837 810663 or visit http://www.light-in-the-darkness.org">www.light-in-the-darkness.org