AN Addingham man will begin the New Year helping thousands of refugees sheltering in cellars to escape Russian bombardment.

Chris Hunter, a former Ilkley Grammar School pupil, is spearheading a humanitarian effort to help those who have spent the festive season being shelled and bombed in the Chechen capital, Grozny.

The 30-year-old Moscow-based aid worker, whose mother still lives in Addingham, said thousands of civilians had endured a miserable Christmas.

He said the Russian attack on Grozny would make it difficult for its remaining residents to escape to safety, but those that did so successfully would receive help from his organisation.

Mr Hunter was one of the founders of the Centre of Peacemaking and Community Development. The organisation has played a vital role in making sure relief from humanitarian organisations such as Oxfam has reached those most in need.

"We have been working hard to provide 3,000 warm coats, footwear for 2,000 children and food. We have also provided a team of 20 psychologists to help those refugees traumatised by what they have been through," said Mr Hunter.

"There is a terrible feeling of deja vu about all this. It was New Year of 1994-95 when the Russians first launched an attack on Grozny."

Anyone wanting to support Mr Hunter's work can make a donation to the Centre for Peacemaking and Community Development, account number 04761785, sort code 30-93-14. The account holding branch is Lloyds TSB, 234 High Street, Exeter.

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