The container is due to leave for Gaza on Monday

A 40ft container organised by David Halpin's Dove and Dolphin mercy mission is due to leave for Gaza on Monday.

The five tonnes of aid includes clothing, medical supplies and equipment, toys, stationery, computers, weaving wool and sports equipment.

"The aim is to help the children in particular," said Mr Halpin of Haytor.

Medical experts

"Poverty there is extreme, with some people living on less than two dollars a day."

Mr Halpin, 62, earlier this year paid �95,000 from his own pocket to charter a cargo vessel which took 55 tonnes of aid to help 2,000 Palestinian families in Gaza.

The surgeon, who sailed with the vessel, plans to return to Israel and Gaza in September with a group of medical experts to see what help they can give.

The Dove and Dolphin Mission's application for registration with the Charity Commission is still being dealt with.