A YORK schoolgirl has gathered 65 bags of shopping after writing to her neighbours following the earthquake in Nepal.

Ella Clixby, ten, was among the pupils at Robert Wilkinson Primary Academy in Strensall who were encouraged to bring in donations to be dispatched to victims.

But she went a step further and wrote a letter to her whole street asking for people to donate. She was overwhelmed by the response when they donated 65 bags of shopping.

Ella said: “I felt bad for the people of Nepal of how they had to live in the middle of this disaster. I imagined if it had happened to us here and how we would want people to help us.”

Ella has since written a letter of thanks to all her neighbours.

The goods will be delivered to the Imphal Barracks, Fulford, for the Gurkha soldiers to dispatch to the affected areas.

Parents and pupils at Hempland Primary School in Heworth have also collected bags full of emergency supplies to the cause which were also taken to Imphal Barracks yesterday, to be organised and despatched.

Donations included tinned food, nappies, first-aid kits, thick rubber gloves for handling debris, torches, sleeping bags, and even tents.

• Strensall is holding a sponsored bike ride to Nepal on exercise bikes in aid of the disaster on May 23 and 24. To join the team, phone Lynette Nelson on 01904 442826.

• The York Military Wives Choir has appealed for help in storing the goods it has collected to donate to Nepal. It has had such an overwhelming response – including a lorry full from the fire brigade – it is running out of the space and means to transport and store everything that has been donated. If you can help, please email york@militarywiveschoirs.org