KHADIA Abdullah Kabir shares a hut with four of her 10 children, and 11 other people, in Darfur in Western Sudan.

It is a world of suffering, disease, hunger and conflict -- and an existence far removed from the gentle surrounds of Worsthorne village.

The two worlds are connected, however, through the selfless work of Christian Aid worker Barbara Wharton, who has carried out voluntary work for the charity, which operates among the poorest communities in the underdeveloped world helping people like Khadia, for the last 11 years.

Barbara, 57, a parishioner at Worsthorne Church has, for the past nine years, been Burnley's house-to-house organiser for the charity and responsible for organising Christian Aid Week, where volunteers go out on the streets to raise money through door-to-door collections.

The time has come, however, for Barbara to hang up her collecting tin and the search is on for someone to take over the reins.

Last year the collection raised more than £11,000, and organisers are keen for that success not to be hit by Barbara's departure.

She said: "It's really important we find someone to take over the work I have been doing, or the amount of money Christian Aid is able to give to poor and developing countries will obviously fall and the good work will be affected.

"The charity is a hugely worthwhile one, particularly because it does not give to governments which means the money goes to where it is needed most, in helping to set up sustainable projects so people can help themselves.

"All sorts of things are being done, from farming projects, to setting up clean water, to building weaving sheds.

"I got involved because I wanted to help make a difference and I'm hoping someone will take over because they feel the same way."

Anyone who wants to take over as house-to-house organiser should contact the Christian Aid representative at their local church.