A cargo supervisor from Braintree is helping transport essential items for people affected by the Asian tsunami.

I'll get them there - Frankie Ricci with stepson Jack Mills and his fellow pupils at White Court Primary School, with just some of the items they have generously collected. Picture: NICK OBANK (40460-4)

Francesco Ricci, known as Frankie, works for Hong Kong Dragon Airlines and jumped into action after being touched by the plight of those caught up in the disaster.

The 29-year-old's stepson, Jack Mills, who attends White Court Primary School, Great Notley, along with other pupils and staff, all brought in essential items, such as clothes, toothbrushes and cooking utensils.

These goods were then packaged up and sent from Stansted Airport to Hong Kong, where the charity Crossroads International will then distribute the packages to Thailand, which was badly affected by the earthquake.

Mr Ricci, of Clay Pits, Braintree, will send the first batch today.

He said: "I will try and run it as often as I get the boxes. I made a commitment that as long as I have the boxes, I will get them out."

Published Monday, January 17, 2005

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