A Bradford GP is collecting unwanted crutches, walking frames and wheelchairs to help survivors of the South Asia earthquake get back to health.

Many of the victims of the earthquake have not only suffered broken bones but have had limbs amputated.

And Dr Talat Hussain, who works at Barkerend Health Centre, realised that many doctors and patients were lacking the key equipment to aid rehabilitation.

Dr Hussain said he had expected the situation to be much better than it is a month after the earthquake occurred.

But many survivors are still nursing terrible injuries and winter is fast approaching. Dr Hussain said he was keen to do something to help, which is why he started collecting mobility equipment that might otherwise have gone to waste.

"I've seen a lot of these types of injuries from working in casualty - and it's important to have crutches and wheelchairs. The people who have survived the earthquake are now dying because of their mobility needs. After any surgery you need to be up and about as soon as possible," he said.

In just a short time 70 wheelchairs, about 200 walking frames, more than 800 crutches and even a few artificial limbs have been received.

Dr Hussain said that from his experience of working as a GP he is aware of how much equipment goes to waste.

"I know how many crutches and wheel chairs are wasted. I'm trying to find a use for all the used and broken equipment that people have lying around. People without legs or feet need them desperately," he said.

Once Dr Hussain has collected enough equipment he has arranged for it all to be flown over to Islamabad with Pakistan International Airlines. The airline has agreed to pay part of the frieght cost and Dr Hussain is looking for donations to cover the remainder.

Anyone who is able to help Dr Hussain by giving a wheelchair, a walking frame or stick can drop them off at the Barkerend Health Centre, in Barkerend Road or telephone 07891 005924.