FOREST of Dean Lions have made contact with Lions in Pakistan to start the work of buiding homes backed by soaring donations from Review readers.

The fund is now well over the £2,000 target we initially set and might lead to more than one home being built for flood-hit families, says organiser Lion Alan Townley.

"At last I have managed to make contact with the club that I picked out in Pakistan. I think that things must be very chaotic there," he said after talking to Lion Kashif Nadeem of the Gujrat Young Fellows Lions Club.

Writing back, Kashif Nadeem says: "It is a matter of great honour for me that you contact me, and I'm very sorry that my club secratary and president both couldn't reply due to busy relief activities.

"Definitely we are facing the most disastrous flood ever seen in world history and as a matter of fact no country can cope with the situation alone.

"As it is the high time to do something extraordinary for the victims your efforts and plan for homes is highly appreciated."

Now, says Alan, work can start on getting a building team together, although many of Pakistan's Lions themselves are among the flood victims.

Anyone wishing to make a donation to the fund can send a cheque made out to Forest of Dean Lions and posted to Pakistan Homes Appeal, The Review, Tindle Suite, King's Buildings, Lydney L15 5HE. Donations may also be left at our advertising branch offices or the Lydney office.

"I think people appreciate that as a volunteer organisation, all the donated money will go to the building project," says Alan.