From the MEN
MANCHESTER United star Mikael Silvestre put on his skates and joined schoolchildren at Altrincham ice rink to launch Unicef's Africa Children's Emergency Appeal.
The appeal is for Aids-ravaged communities facing severe food shortages in Southern Africa, Ethiopia and Eritrea. People are being encouraged to forgo one small item this Christmas and instead donate the money saved to the appeal.
The children, from Gorse Hill Primary in Stretford, were asked to design snowflakes carrying festive messages of hope for the African people.
Silvestre, 25, said: "It's crazy what is happening across southern Africa. I have a 20-month-old daughter and it really makes me think about the poor children who are losing their parents to the Aids epidemic.
"We've got to start teaching these children themselves about Aids so that the next generation can look forward to a better life."
To make a donation, call 08457 312312 or send a cheque - payable to UNICEF - to Africa Children's Emergency Appeal, UNICEF Freepost, Chelmsford, CM2 8BR.