A LARGE convoy of trucks, ambulances and vans packed with aid will be driving more than 2,300 miles from Bolton to war-torn Gaza.

At least 10 vehicles will make the month-long journey from Bolton to the Middle East via Europe and north Africa.

Volunteers will drive the trucks to London, then over the English Channel to Calais, through France and Spain and across the Straits of Gibraltar to Morocco.

From there, the convoy will trek through Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt before crossing the border into Gaza.

So far, Boltonians have contributed a 7.5 tonne truck, three ambulances, and six vans to the convoy.

The trucks will be filled with clothes, medicines, food and toys, while organisers are appealing for medical workers to join the ambulances and equipment for them to use. The huge relief effort is part of a national aid campaign led by outspoken Respect MP George Galloway.

The Bethnal Green and Bow MP is leading the national convoy from London on Valentine’s Day, and Bolton’s contingent will join the column the night before. Mr Galloway visited Bolton last week to drum up support, urging the people of Bolton to give whatever they can to help.

As reported in The Bolton News, more than 1,000 people flocked to the 3D Centre in Bella Street, Daubhill, to hear him speak. Salim Bhorat, who is organising the Bolton appeal, said people have been flocking to the makeshift campaign office at the Noor Ul Islam centre in Prospect Street, Halliwell. He said: “We’re really busy. People having been coming in to offer all sorts of things — from cash to a truckload of curtains.”

The appeal is now concentrating on major construction tools such as generators, pneumatic drills and compressors to help rebuild wrecked buildings and infrastructure following the conflict with Israel.

The convoy will be leaving Bolton on February 13. Details of how to contribute can be found at www.bolton.vivapalestina.org