UK aid leaves for Liberia

Three planes carrying aid have already left for the African state

A shipment of clothing and shoes is being sent from Bristol to Liberia.

The Red Cross has collected more than five tonnes to send to the war-ravaged state.

After 15 years of civil war, the west African country is one of the world's poorest.

The consignment was due to leave the Red Cross's Warmley depot at 1500 BST on Friday, before travelling to Ostend in Belgium before being flown to Liberia's capital Monrovia.

Paul Jenkins of the British Red Cross said: "It's very important to get supplies out to Monrovia as quickly as possible.

"These goods will help ease the suffering of many people living in very desperate conditions."

Water supplies

The Red Cross has collected more than 18,000 pieces of clothing and shoes which will be distributed to areas where rioting and looting are still rife.

Mike Goodhand of the Red Cross added: "Up until the peacekeepers came in, the towns were pretty much surrounded.

"Nothing could come in or go out, supplies were running out and the markets and shops were closed.

"Water supplies were also difficult so we are hoping to see some improvement but at the moment things are pretty desperate."

He said the Red Cross had already begun collecting more donations.