A FURNITURE company has donated thousands of chairs, desks and tables to schoolchildren in Kosovo, who not only lack books but something to sit on.

Remploy, of Bank Top, Blackburn, gave the furniture to International Aid Trust, a Lancashire-based Christian charity which helps needy people in Britain, Eastern Europe and Africa.

The chairs and desks will go to dozens of schools across the war-torn former Yugoslavian state to help thousands of deprived children.

The furniture comes from the factory's stock of slightly marked and end of range furniture.

Remploy factory manager Paul Boughley said he decided to donate the furniture after he talked to Neil Grainger at the nearby Newman's Footwear.

"We learned of the problem from Mr Grainger, who regularly donates ex-stock shoes to the charity.

"Luckily we had a reasonable stock of slightly marked and end-range items which I am absolutely delighted are now going to such a good and appreciative home."

International Aid Trust was founded by the Rev Bernard Cocker 11 years ago after he visited the former Soviet Union and was moved by the images of pain and suffering.

He returned home and vowed to make a difference. Mr Cocker is still a director of the charity.

One of the organisation's biggest achievements is a recuperative centre near the Black Sea coast where 2,000 needy children go for a free holiday every year.

Another success was when several 38-tonne lorries were sent packed with food, clothing, blankets, sleeping bags, baby products, toilet paper and women's sanitary products to help the 130,000 Kosovan refugees fleeing the Serbs in April, 1999.

Charity spokesman Bill Brown said Remploy's donation was much appreciated and would meet a desperate need.

"We've been aware of the demand for some school furniture in Kosovo for a while, and through a chance meeting with Paul have been able to make a valuable contribution to schooling in Kosovo.

"Our thanks can only reflect the warm appreciation of the schoolteachers and children receiving the furniture."

For information about the charity, its shops across East Lancashire or how to make a make a donation visit www.internationalaidtrust.org.uk or call 01772 611000.