LIVES shattered in a devastating earthquake are being rebuilt - with thousands of pounds from Examiner readers.
We asked for your help after the giant quake hit the historic city of Bam in south-eastern Iran on December 26.
And you have responded magnificently - with £6,574 for the appeal we have been running with Unicef, the United Nations children's organisation.
Organisers today paid tribute to the reaction by Huddersfield people.
Louis Coles, Unicef's representative in Yorkshire, said: "Examiner readers have been incredibly generous in support of Unicef's work in Bam.
"Thanks to your donations, children's lives are beginning to return to some form of normality. I cannot emphasise too much how vital your donations are."
Last December's earthquake was the world's worst disaster in 2003.
More than 41,000 people were killed, accounting for two-thirds of the 60,000 deaths from 380 man- made and natural catastrophes recorded last year.
Here's what your money could buy:
* 3,287 of boxes of high- energy biscuits for malnourished children
* Or enough rehydration salts to save the lives of 39,444 children suffering from cholera or dysentery
* Or tablets to purify one litre of water for each of 70,122 people
* Or 32 family-size tents for homeless people
* Or blankets for 3,287 children
* Or 329 sets of teaching materials for primary school classes.
Relief work in Bam is cracking on, but many basic services are still a shambles. Almost all the health facilities are destroyed and all schools completely or partially wrecked.
Thanking Examiner readers, Mr Coles said: "Your generosity has been a tremendous help. On behalf of the children and families you have helped, thank you."
There's still a chance to help; donations can go to the Huddersfield Examiner/Unicef Children of Iran Emergency Earthquake Appeal, Freepost, Chelmsford CM2 8BR. Make cheques payable to Unicef.
