DIFFICULTIES getting aid to earthquake-struck Nepal has meant donations collected by Warrington Hospital's maternity unit will not make it to the country.

The ward began collecting items such as blankets, nappies and clothes to help the estimated 14,000 woman about to give birth in the area affected by the April 25 quake that devastated the country.

Despite receiving an amazing amount of donations, problems at Nepal's airports have meant charities are not able to transport them.

A spokesman for the hospital said: "We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of all those that have donated baby clothing and items to our Nepal Appeal, which we set up after the devastating earthquake.

"Unfortunately, our original plan to send our items through a national charity we had been in contact with, has not been feasible.

"We contacted the Red Cross to see if they could assist us and they have informed us that the situation currently in the local airports of Nepal is hectic and therefore aid is not getting through as they would like.

"They are therefore streamlining their approach otherwise it causes a backlog at the airport and can slow down the aid process.

"Sourcing items locally also allows them to provide assistance much faster, more cheaply, and with supplies tailored to the needs of each area."

The charity has suggested that the hospital donate the items to its shops in order to raise funds for its appeal.

"They've suggested that we donate re-saleable items to one of their charity shops, where it is possible to ask for the funds raised by your donation to go towards our Nepal Earthquake Appeal, through our Shop Drop for Nepal campaign," said the spokesman.

"Therefore we are going to work with The Red Cross and donate all the items that cannot be directly sent to be sold in shops across the North West. The monies from every item will go directly to the people affected by the earthquake.

"We are of course disappointed that our original plan has not been possible, but want to thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for getting behind us and donating. You donations are making a real difference."

To find out more about the project, visit redcross.org.uk/en/Donate-Now/Donation-enquiries/Shop-Drop-for-Nepal.