A VAN filled with toys, clothes, nappies, bottles and medical equipment has set off from Rochdale to help provide much-needed aid to the people of Gaza.

The van, organised by Omar Shazad Ghalib of Wardleworth, and bought through donations from the people of Rochdale, has joined a large convoy of fire engines, ambulances and trucks carrying supplies through France, Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt on the way to the Rafah Crossing with Gaza.

It is expected to be travelling for approximately 27 days and will be left and used by a hospital for amputees.

Councillor Ibrar Khan, who is hoping to set up a Rochdale Friends of Palestine group, was there to wave off the van with Rochdale MP Paul Rowen and fellow councillor Farooq Ahmed.

He said: "These items are immediately needed for Gaza and I would like to thank the organisers for taking the initiative.

"I was in Palestine in November to see first-hand what was happening and how these donations will help. I do hope that the convoy reaches Gaza safely."

Friends Saeed Ahmed, 44 and Khalid Javed, 47 will be amongst the convoy of over a hundred vehicles as it makes it’s way through Europe and North Africa to Gaza.

Khaled, a father of four recently stopped work and decided to head out again after seeing the suffering in Gaza.

Meanwhile, Saeed decided to travel at the last minute when Khaled’s other driver pulled-out.

Saeed told us, “I had initially planned to travel but then things didn’t work out. So when the opportunity arose again I had to take it.

“I felt the family and business responsibilities were simply becoming excuses in my head. My passport was out of date and I made a late dash to Liverpool in order to sort out the paper work.

“My family have supported me whole heartedly even though they are aware that the trip will take a lot out of me.”

Their decision however was based on their desire to in some small way help the victims of the Gaza violence.

“We have both been deeply affected with all that has gone on in Gaza for many years now and this last occasion things became unbearable.

“It doesn't matter who or where humans are you cannot help but feel for their plight. In this case Muslims are under attack, imprisoned, they need aid, as a Muslim you actually feel the rippled effect of what goes on in Gaza thousands of miles away.”

Members of the Rochdale and Littleborough Peace Group helped to give a convoy of more than a dozen vehicles carrying aid collected from throughout Greater Manchester, including the van from Rochdale, a rousing send-off from Cheetham Hill.

Eighty-seven-year-old Phil Kaiserman, the son of Jewish migrants, applauded the convoy named in honour of him and other Jewish radicals from north Manchester.

He was accompanied at the send-off in Cheetham Hill by his daughter Linda Clair, from Spotland, who is the chairwoman of Manchester Palestine Solidarity Campaign.

Philip Gilligan of the Peace Group said: "It was inspiring to meet Phil Kaiserman and to see how much aid has been collected by ordinary people in our communities."