A REQUEST for a few books, pens and pencils to help out an almost derelict school in Kosovo has led to a deluge of donations.

The plea for help came from Flt Lt Julia Bruce who used to be stationed at RAF Benson.

She wanted to help a local school in Pristina which was devastated by fire during the 1999 conflict there.

But when staff at RAF Benson took on the task of providing them, they asked for help from local schools and service families.

With the backing of station commander Gp Capt Paul Lyall, staff sent appeals to every person on the base and called on local schools for help.

And now going out to Kosovo are 50 personal computers and more than a dozen huge parcel boxes containing stationery, books, games and toys for the children.

The computers came from teachers and pupils at Benson community school, St Nicholas's School in Wallingford and Langtree School in Woodcote.

Local firms like Grundons dropped off items at the main guardroom, Fugro from Wallingford delivered their material personally and children gave new and nearly new toys.

Everything went out on the weekly road delivery to Pristina ready for distribution at Vilezrite Frasheri school and others in the area.

Warrant Officer Bob Hardwick, in charge of the general engineering section at RAF Benson, said: "The response has been overwhelming and the difference that could be made to the lives of these children is immeasurable.

"I just want to thank everyone who helped on behalf of the children out in Pristina."