John and Paulene Rotman, who set up Lifeline 4 Chernobyl earlier this year, will be parking a lorry behind the Spar shop and NAAFI outside the airbase, from 10am to 2pm, to collect donated goods.

Mrs Rotman said a wide range of goods was needed to help Belarussian adults and children still suffering from the effects of radiation since the explosion in a nuclear reactor at the Chernobyl power station in April 1986.

They include good quality clothing, bedding, crockery, cutlery, gardening equipment, toys, wool, towels, toiletries, pots and pans, reading glasses, walking aids and wheelchairs.

She said: "We hope people not only from Marham but from the surrounding area, like Pentney, Narborough and Swaffham, will drop off items.
"This will be the last of the monthly collections there this year, but we will be sending another lorry next year."

Mr Rotman and his son, Liam, will be among the four-man crew taking a 38-ton articulated lorry packed with the donated goods to Belarus on November 16. The Rotmans, who live near Salters Lode, have to raise £3,500 to cover the cost of fuel, ferries, accommodation and food for each mercy mission.

They hold weekly bingo sessions, at Hilgay Village Hall and Lynn's Fairstead Community Centre, alternately, for this purpose.

Mrs Rotman said donations towards these charity bingos, including food which could make up prizes, were also welcome.

If people have larger items to give, arrangements could be made to pick these up. The charity can be contacted by email at lifeline4chernobyl@tesco.net or by phone on 01366 324496.