A Bradford-based aid charity has taken £30,000 and a six-tonne consignment of food, clothes and medicines to flood-ravaged families in Pakistan.

A delegation of nine from Bradford Unites in Disaster have flown out to deliver aid and hand over money to the poorest people affected by the devastating floods.

Bradford Council’s former Deputy Lord Mayor, Coun Naveeda Ikram, helped to set up the group as an umbrella organisation for scores of fundraising groups across the district.

In less than a month, they collected the “overwhelming” amount of money and aid and have taken it to Pakistan, where they will spend the next fortnight.

Coun Ikram said: “All the volunteers going have paid for their own tickets, and we will also be carrying out surveys in flood-hit areas.

“We will be assessing, as a charity, how we can support the people of Pakistan in the long term so they can become self-sufficient, as most of the farmers’ crops and lands have been destroyed, and the soil needs to be fertilised again.”

She thanked Pakistan’s national carrier, Pakistan International Airline, and its staff, particularly managing director Captain Aijaz Haroon, for allowing aid to be carried on its planes free.

“If we had to pay, it would have been very difficult for us to finance the cargo cost,” said Coun Ikram.

Bradford Unites in Disaster held fundraising events at the Khidmat Centre, Spencer Road, Lidget Green, and the Karmand Community Centre, Barkerend Road.

NatWest bank has kept collection tins at its Bradford branches.

Bradford-based Akbars restaurant, the city’s social housing provider Incommunities, Oasis black women project – part of Manningham Housing Association – and other local businesses also contributed to the fundraising effort.

Coun Ikram (Lab, Little Horton) said: “The whole process has been overwhelming and motivating, and we could not have done it without all those involved, particularly the local community and volunteers.”

She added: “We will be a little sad as all those going will be spending Eid in Pakistan without their children and families, but it is all for a worthy cause.”

The charity is still taking donations at its collection point at the Karmand Community Centre (01274 669593), or Coun Naveeda Ikram on 07792581128.