THOUSANDS of shoes are being sought by an Egremont charity to help children living in The Gambia.

Siiboo, run by Colin and Sharon Fox, is launching another BIG Little Shoe appeal - only it is looking for 5,000 pairs of footwear nearly 4,000 more than last time.

The couple, and their teenage sons, Jake and Alex, travelled in April to Africa to deliver the shoes, as well as bicycles and 100 back-bags filled with water bottles, school stationery, toiletries and a toy.

Colin said: "After the huge success of the BIG little Shoe Appeal last year we are doing it all over again. Earlier this year we took over 1,300 pairs of outgrown pairs of shoes (or any form of footwear) to The Gambia and next year we hope to take over 5,000.''

For this latest shoe appeal, Copeland Council has loaned the charity a number of wheelie bins and the Co-op has also agreed to allow Siiboo to site the bins at their local stores on a rotational basis.

Details of the bin sites will be published on Siiboo's website as well as progress on the appeal itself.

Colin added: "On the BIG little Shoe Appeal web page we will have a 'Donate Now' button and we are asking people who donate shoes to visit the website and donate 60p per pair of shoes donated to help pay for shipping.'' If the charity hits 5,000 pairs then it works out at about 60p per pair shipping.

Siiboo will also be holding a charity fund-raising event on Saturday, October 1, at Whitehaven's Marchon Club.

Hosted by Stella the Fella it will also include acts such as comedian Mike Wilky, magician Scott Cuthbertson, comedy stage hypnotist Adam Night, Starkey School of Theatre Dance and the K.O.S.B veterans mini-pipe band. Also playing will be local indie cover band, The Wardrobe Monsters, and pre-show entertainment will be provided by close-up magician Taran Harvey-Chadwick the close up magician.

Tickets are priced at £15 Adult and £10 for under 16's and available from The Perfect Gift Company, Lowther Street, Whitehaven and Main St, Egremont; Nisa Extra, Cleator Moor or call 07730592244.

Full details on the website www.siiboo.org.uk