CHRISTIAN relief charity Samaritan's Purse International Relief (SPIR) is launching a major public appeal throughout Lancashire for World Water Day on Monday.

The group wants to raise funds to provide safe drinking water, on a permanent basis, for thousands of families in Mozambique. Almost 75 per cent of Mozambique's 18million people do not have direct access to safe drinking water, and cholera and other water-related diseases account for a large proportion of childhood and maternal mortality rates, which can exceed 25 per cent in some areas.

SPIR has developed water filters that, for £40 per unit, can provide a family with safe drinking water for life.

Josie Smith, SPI co-ordinator for Lancashire, said: "Schools, organisations, churches and individuals throughout Lancashire have been tremendous in supporting our Operation Christmas Child campaign, which provides gifts for needy children in 14 eastern European countries.

"Now we have decided to focus on helping Mozambique and are asking our supporters and the Blackburn public to contribute towards the production of these units.

"To help our supporters and the public collect £40 to fund the production of one unit, we suggest using a 500ml water bottle which, when empty, will hold around 40 pound coins. Anyone wanting a special label to wrap around their collecting bottle - should go to http://samaritans purse.uk.com/projects/water.asp on the Internet where they can also get further information on the Mozambique project. Alternatively, they should call 01978 367722.

"I am sure we will get a good response in Lancashire."