THOUSANDS of tents belonging to music festival revellers will be winging their way to refugees in Eastern Ukraine – thanks to a Lancashire aid charity.

If they’re lucky, those displaced may benefit from the odd mobile cooker or sleeping bag, courtesy of the International Aid Trust.

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Trust leaders have partnered with Rotarians in Shropshire to take charge of everything from single-man to eight-berth tents, which have been left behind by those attending the V Festival.

Rev Bernard Cocker, who established the trust in Withnell, near Chorley, nearly 25 years ago, said: “We live in an affluent part of the world where people can afford to go to these festivals and leave their tents there.

“It’s not only tents we pick up but little mobile cookers, blankets, utensils and even shoes, leftover wellies and clothing. It’s amazing what gets left behind but it all goes to benefit some of the areas where we work.”

Shipments are being sent out to support the needs of refugees in Eastern Ukraine this week but the trust has most recently been working in disease-hit West Africa, in the wake of the ebola pandemic.

The tents and related equipment are also used to provide summer breaks for disadvantaged youngsters .

Rotarian Mike Hampson, a member of the Telford branch, said: “Prisoners in the city clean them up and they are stored until needed in disaster areas.”

The trust, which now operates out of much large premises in Hoole, near Preston, is also about to launch an appeal for fishing equipment.

Mr Cocker said: “I’m sure there are a number of people who have old beach fishing sets, or old rods, which we could donate to our partners in West Africa. There are large expanses of ocean and if we teach angling skills to young people out there then they will be able to support their families.”

Fresh support can be pledged to the trust by either calling 0844 248 2488 or by going online to internationalaidtrust.org.uk