MONEY raised in Huddersfield is on its way to help survivors of the Pakistan earthquake.

A massive donation of £35,000 was collected by people who ran the community radio station Radio Ramzan in the town.

And they pledged last night that virtually every penny will go to help those left without shelter, food or clothing after the terrible quake.

Several organisers of the appeal plan to pay their own way to Pakistan to see for themselves how the money can best be used.

Nisar Smiler, who helped set up the radio station, said: "The £35,000 that we have raised will go a significant way towards helping the unfortunate victims of the tragic natural disaster in Pakistan.

"I am very grateful for the support of all the members of the Radio Ramzan team who made it happen."

Clr Mehboob Khan said: "I see this as just the start of an appeal. It will take several years to relieve the suffering in North Pakistan, but the money we have raised now in Huddersfield will go to relieve some of the suffering in the bleak winter months ahead."

Much of the money came from donations while the radio station was on air but specific fundraising events included a charity dinner at the Sikh Leisure Centre in Springwood, at which more than £11,000 was raised.

Clr Mohammed Sarwar, another of the organisers, said: "I have been very impressed by the efforts of the Radio Ramzan team and of the whole community in Huddersfield regardless of their background.

"The donations to the appeal shows that in times of need, the whole community in this town will come together."

Three truckloads of aid for quake victims have already been sent to Kashmir by well-wishers in Huddersfield.

The community radio station urged its listeners to donate aid such as food, clothes and tents to be sent to survivors of the quake. Many victims are badly injured and lacking food and shelter to face the oncoming winter.

Radio Ramzan broadcast its Radio Paigham programme on 107.2FM for 30 days from the Muslim Community Centre at Clare Hill. The broadcast marked the Muslim festival of Ramadan, when Muslims fast during daylight hours.