The Bumble Bees Barbarians are sending away kits to Serbia to help promote rugby in the region.

The mixed ability contact rugby union side are sending the playing strips to SKOSI Pobednici Rugby Club after the Bumbles responded to a heart-warming letter from the Serbian outfit’s coach Stanic Peta.

The message explained the difficulties that they have to go through and their lack of support and facilities.

Bumbles international co-ordinator Martino Corazzo is hoping this is just the first contact in a partnership which could see a Serbian side take part in the 2015 Mixed Ability Rugby World Cup, which is set to be based at Bradford & Bingley Sports Club.

Corazzo said: “The people in Serbia are doing a great job but unfortunately for them they don’t have any facilities and the schools do not have any initiatives for those with learning difficulties.

“Just wearing a matching uniform will help them feel more like a team and it was a lovely gesture from Bradford & Bingley, which is really appreciated by them.

“They are treated like second-class citizens and giving away the kit will hopefully be the first step to raising the profile of rugby in the country.

“We’re hoping to possibly get them over for the World Cup in 2015.”

Bumbles manager Mark Goodwin added: “We wanted to show inclusion through rugby, so the Bumbles approached the senior rugby committee to ask if the club could do anything to help.

“Thankfully they then came forward with this brilliant idea, which we are really grateful for.”

Bees president Tony Rae said: “Bradford & Bingley Rugby are delighted to have been involved and are glad to have helped by sending over playing kits.

“We are pleased to announce that the kits will arrive in time for Christmas and we are happy that we are able to promote friendship through rugby.”

Bumbles sponsor Paul Cookson has agreed to pay for the Bradford & Bingley shirts to be delivered by courier to the Serbian capital of Belgrade.