War in the Balkans: Readers donate pounds 375,000

THE INDEPENDENT'S appeal for Kosovo has reached pounds 375,000 while the total raised by the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) has now exceeded pounds 10m.

A co-ordinator at the DEC, which is made up of 12 leading charities, said: "We are very pleased to confirm that we have broken the pounds 10m mark on day six of the appeal."

The Independent launched the DEC appeal with its readers and the joint appeal has been organised on behalf of the British Red Cross, Christian Aid, CAFOD, CARE International UK, Children's Aid Direct, Concern Worldwide, Help The Aged, Merlin, Oxfam, Save The Children, Tearfund and World Vision. Donations can be made on 0870 606 0900 or 0990 222 233 or sent to Disasters Emergency Committee Kosovo Appeal, PO Box 999, London, EC4A 9AA. Cash can also be given at banks, building societies and post offices.