WASHING machines and a colour TV made up part of an Ipswich charity's donations for Romania as it today launched its latest fund raising drive.Ipswich Appeal for Romania raised £7,000 in 2002, through car boot sales and charity events, as part of its 17th relief aid mission to the country.

WASHING machines and a colour TV made up part of an Ipswich charity's donations for Romania as it today launched its latest fund raising drive.

Ipswich Appeal for Romania raised £7,000 in 2002, through car boot sales and charity events, as part of its 17th relief aid mission to the country.

Organiser Lee Arthur, a former policeman who has been visiting the country since 1989, said: "In one orphanage the washing facilities for 130 children were basic in the extreme.

"We also bought a colour TV set for an old people's institution in Transylvania where the temperatures can plummet to minus 30 degrees in the winter.

"Just because Romania has fallen off the news agendas doesn't mean there isn't still a lot of suffering there."

Now efforts are already underway for this year's relief mission, kicking off with a cabaret night at Great Blakenham Village Hall on September 27.

Tickets cost £6, including wine and a buffet and are available from Lee or Ana-Maria Arthur on 01473 833292.