MORE than 4,000 children in conflict-torn Iraq could receive a potentially life-saving boost thanks to the generosity of kind-hearted Gazette readers.

Two weeks agas, Gazette Newspapers joined forces with UNICEF to launch an appeal to help some of the four million children under five and one million pregnant women caught up in the war in Iraq.

And, our readers have already raised enough money to help save the lives of more than 4,000 Iraqi children suffering from cholera or dysentery by treating them with oral rehydration salts.

Iraq has one of the world's worst child mortality rates - one in eight children die before their fifth birthday and one in four under-fives are malnourished. Now, they are not only suffering from poor health but they are also suffering the impact of war.

Money raised through the appeal will help UNICEF deliver vital medical supplies to hospitals and health clinics across the country.

It will also ensure access to safe water, food, education and vital psychological support.

So far, Gazette readers have donated £750. That is enough money to pay for the oral rehydration salts, but it could also be used to provide high-energy food to bring 18 malnourished Iraqi orphans back to health in six weeks.

Alternatively, the money could buy water purification tablets to give more than 7,000 children a litre of safe clean water to drink, or buy and cover the installation costs for three water pumps that would each provide clean water to 250 people per day. The money would also be enough to buy sets of materials for 33 primary school teachers.

However it is used, it is enough to make a big difference for the women and children of Iraq. But they need more.

David Speirs, regional officer for the south east branch of UNICEF, said: "We are delighted with the response from the readers of The Gazette to our joint emergency appeal on behalf of the children of Iraq.

"Please keep on supporting this appeal and help give the children a future."

If you would like publicity for an event being held to raise money for the appeal, call the newsdesk on 01256 337444, e-mail newsdesk@basingstokegazette.co.uk or fax 01256 337425.

Appeal posters are available at The Gazette's offices in Church Street and Pelton Road, Basingstoke.