Schools and universities were looted

Universities there will get up-to-date material for the first time in decades, says the British Council, which organised the shipment.

The books will be given to universities in Baghdad and Mosul and further donations will be sent to Basra.

They have been donated by universities, publishers and other businesses.

Iraqi professors and students will now have access to the most current journals, providing them with an up-to-date resource, says the British Council.

'Cut off'

Previously, universities were not able to stay abreast of developments in science, technology and business because of a lack of contact outside Iraq.

The director general of the British Council, David Green, said: "The generosity of businesses, publishers and universities in Britain has allowed us to deliver the tools to help the future scientists and business people of Iraq.

"This first consignment is part of the UK's effort to reconnect Iraqi higher education with the wider academic community and ensure Iraq's educational establishments are fully equipped with the most up-to-date material possible."

The organisation said Iraqi academics felt as if they had been cut off from the rest of the world for more than a decade.

Widespread looting following the war last year had added to the isolation, leaving many departments with literally no texts.

So far, the British Council has shipped 25 tons of books and journals donated by 20 UK organisations or individuals.