SURVIVORS of the tsunami disaster are to benefit from a donation of more than 220 bikes, thanks to the Inside Out Trust.

The bikes, reconditioned by prisoners in the south, were delivered to the Friends of the Maldives group, based at Dinghams Flooring and Fireplaces in Millbrook Road West, who will then send them to the islands worst hit by the disaster.

Volunteers helped unload the delivery for storage in the warehouse. They will be sent out to the Indian Ocean islands next week.

The group has three containers of goods left to deliver to the Maldives, which includes "happy buckets" of school stationery collected by pupils and staff across Hampshire-based schools.

The Inside Out Trust, based in Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex, aims to help prisoners develop new skills while helping disadvantaged people around the world.

Dave Hardingham, founder of Friends of the Maldives, said: "I think the bikes will make a real difference to the lives of people in the Maldives.

"Anyone with unwanted bicycle pumps or puncture repair kits can bring them to the warehouse this week."

For more information call 01722 504330.