Volunteers said farewell to their families and friends yesterday, as they set off on a 5,000-mile aid journey to Gaza.

A group of 20 men in charge of nine vehicles left Bolton for London, where they will meet up with more than 100 other aid trucks from across the UK and then travel to Gaza.

Hundreds of people gathered at the Noorul Islam mosque in Prospect Street, Halliwell, to wish them a safe journey.

Drivers had time for final embraces before they left, while friends and families told them not to worry about the children they were leaving behind.

A light aircraft, which is on standby to support the convoy, circled over the mosque, while balloons in the Palestinian colours of red, green, black and white were released.

Bolton Council leader Cllr Cliff Morris was among the speakers who addressed the crowd before the trucks departed. The convoy is carrying clothes, medicine, food and toys across France, Spain, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt to Gaza.

As well as the vehicles, worth about £50,000, and donations, volunteers have collected over £130,000 in cash.

Organiser Salim Bhorat said: “It’s going to be an arduous journey for the men and possibly dangerous when they get there, but they’re brave and are doing it for a wonderful cause.

“Our efforts do not finish here. We now need to make sure that the convoy support team is able to get whatever help is needed to them.”

The convoy is expected to arrive in Gaza in early March.

The Bolton relief effort is part of a national campaign led by Respect MP George Galloway, who spoke at a meeting in Bolton two weeks.

By Julian Thorpe