BISHOP'S Waltham Rotary Club is supporting victims of the Beirut disaster.

In August, a large amount of ammonium nitrate stored in Lebanon's capital city exploded, causing at least 190 deaths and 6,500 injuries.

The damage will cost the country more than 10 billion US dollars.

Members of the village Rotary have been raising money and working closely with a branch in Beirut.

A spokesperson said: "Many of you would have been shocked, like us, to have seen the footage of the major explosion that shook Beirut in August, the sheer scale of the devastation and the numbers affected.

"We were very keen to help out by organising a street collection, but we were mindful of ensuring that any funds we sent would reach the right people, plus there were the practicalities of trying to do such a collection in the post lock down environment we find ourselves in.

"After a bit of careful research we made contact with a Rotary Club in Beirut, who were already running a food bank out there and were ideally suited to provide support where appropriate.

"Plus, with a bit of ingenuity involving screwing collecting buckets to workbenches so that we could be suitably distanced from any prospective donators, a lot of hand gel and some disinfectant wipes we managed to mount a street collection in early September."

The club has raised hundreds of pounds so far. The official total is yet to be calculated.

The spokesperson added: "Like our Facebook page or take a look at our website for updates on the funds raised for Beirut, the fight against polio, what is going on, what we have been up to and how you can help us help others."