CHILDREN blinded by landmines are being given the chance of an education by the people of Knutsford.

Aid worker Andrew Davis, who speaks to town groups about the war in Bosnia, said dozens had donated books on audio tapes.

"The victims are injured by the sort of mine that jumps up in the air and explodes in people's faces," he said.

"These people receive no support from the state and have no real charities yet."

On Monday Mr Davis said hundreds of Knutsford residents had donated items to help civilians injured by landmines.

The founder of Wheelchairs for Bosnia said the aid would help people - 80 per cent of whom are women and children - who would otherwise be isolated from their community. "Knutsford residents have provided a new lease of life for some people," said Mr Davis. "The aid we took helped one chap to come and look after the reception desk where we worked."

Mr Davis has also collected dozens of walking aids from Knutsford residents to help civilians whose limbs have been blown off by landmines.

He said the gifts donated by local people recently would be flown to Bosnia next month to be distributed to hospitals and community centres.

"It can get them mobile again and give them an added dimension to an already diminished life," he said.

Mr Davis, whose charity is based in Wilmslow, visits Bosnia twice a year to distribute aid and was once arrested, jailed and deported by the Serbian authorities. On one trip away from an aid centre he and his colleagues were escorted by a group of children who informed them that they could tell them where the mines were.

"That absolutely frightened the life out of us," said Mr Davis.

Campaign group Landmine Action recently said that people in 92 countries were in danger. Their global survey revealed that Africa was the worst affected, with 24 countries and territories suffering, while 23 countries in Europe and Central Asia were endangered by landmines.

To donate to Wheelchairs for Bosnia call Mr Davis on 01625 548911 or 07968 756655.