AN OKEHAMPTON minister has received an 'overwhelming' response to an appeal to help the children of Kosovo and Romania.

Hundreds of bags of flour, rice and sugar have been pouring in from local people after an article appeared in the West Devon Methodist Circuit Newsletter.

The Rev Andrew Sowden, who is behind the local appeal, said: 'I receive many appeals for cash donations but this was an appeal with a difference.

'It came from the European Children's Trust. Linked with the harvest festival season, it asked for gifts of plain flour, granulated sugar and long grain rice.

'I put details in the September edition of the newsletter and wrote to my fellow clergy in Okehampton and the response has been overwhelming.'

Mr Sowden said he had received contributions from most churches in the West Devon Methodist Circuit, from all churches in Okehampton and from Halwill Baptist Church.

'I also had large quantities from Hatherleigh Pre-School Group, Hatherleigh Primary School and Okehampton Primary School where I was invited to speak to children and explain where their gifts were going,' he said.

'People have been really generous — I think it has been so successful because it is something in kind rather than money

'Not everyone can afford to give a cash donation but they may have a couple of bags of flour they can give.

'These are the types of things that people brought for harvest festival services and we asked the churches if they could spare anything before they auctioned off the goods.'

Many of those who missed the harvest services had donated items and bags had even been left on his doorstep, said Mr Sowden.

'People have heard so much about Kosovo in the last 12 months and Romania prior to that and they just want to help.'

The appeal is now closed and Mr Sowden has completed his third and final trip to the collection point in Exeter.

He also received help from his stepson who supplied a transit van to take supplies to Exeter and The Beanfeast and Somerfield who provided banana boxes.

The European Children's Trust is helping thousands of Kosovar families in Albania and Kosovo by providing them with food and support now vital for their return to normal life.

With help such as thatfrom the Okehampton area in the 'Harvest 1999' appeal, the charity will also be able to supply food parcels to Romanian and Kosovar families who are at risk this winter.