PEOPLE across Yorkshire donated almost £20,000 to HIV and malaria victims in impoverished countries in a leading charity appeal.

Christian Aid say donations to their Christmas Appeal from individuals and churches in Yorkshire totalled £19,944.44 - and the Gift Aid tax reclamation system took the total to £23,970.72.

The appeal focussed on the impact of HIV and malaria in poor countries, with a large campaign focus on Kenya.

Alex Jones, regional coordinator for the charity, said yesterday: ‘We are delighted by the generous response from Yorkshire to our Christmas appeal. HIV, and malaria have a devastating effect on poor countries, hampering economic development and leaving millions of children without parents.

“Such generosity will help us save and transform the lives of some of the poorest and most vulnerable people who are affected by HIV. It could enable us to train and equip more desperately needed health volunteers, like Rogers Ochieng Otieno in Kenya’.

Last September, The Press's news editor Gavin Aitchison visited Kenya to see Christian Aid's work in the country. Read his articles here