PUPILS in Banbury are to help children in Kashmir, whose school was wrecked by last year's Asian earthquake.

An appeal to build a new school in the village of Duhali, in the quake-shattered region of Muzaffarabad, will be launched at Banbury School.

Around £100,000 is needed for the project, spearheaded by Banbury Muslim leader Sarfraz Bhatti.

He said: "The fundraising will be in partnership with other schools and the whole Banbury community. We want to make everyone aware of what we are doing, and ask them to support the appeal."

Mr Bhatti has just returned from a five-month fact-finding trip to the parts of Pakistan and Kashmir that were worst affected by the October 2005 earthquake.

He said: "I searched the devastated areas and came across one school that was just right for the project.

"I spoke to teachers and pupils there and told them what we were planning. They were amazed and delighted that help was at hand.

"I also spoke to the Pakistan government, which administers Kashmir. They gave their approval and I have a signed document giving us permission to rebuild the school."

Mr Bhatti said: "We have officially launched the project at Banbury School, and we now want to tell the town and surrounding area about our plans." Mr Bhatti flew to Pakistan in February, intending to be away for two months. But bad weather and difficult travelling conditions hampered his quest.

Scott Orchard, senior vice-principal of Banbury School, said: "We are keen to be involved in such a worthwhile project. We are developing our international links in all areas of the world, and are especially keen to help in the aftermath of such a tragedy.

"Bishop Loveday primary school has already given £300 from a non-uniform day, and Warriner, Drayton, and Frank Wise schools will all become involved and MP Tony Baldry has also given his support for the project.

"It will be good if Banbury pulls together to help the children in Kashmir. Their school was destroyed and they are being taught in a tent until their building can be restored."

Pakistan's high commissioner in London, Dr Maleeha Lodhi, is due to visit Banbury to discuss the venture.

Mr Bhatti met Dr Lodhi earlier this year at a House of Commons party organised to celebrate the Muslim Eid Festival.

Dr Lodhi said: "It will take years to rehabilitate the victims and rebuild entire villages and towns.

"The desire expressed by the Banbury community to rebuild a school in one of the stricken areas shows great compassion and is much appreciated."