NorthLink is calling on its passengers to donate unwanted mobile phones to their latest charity appeal.

The lifeline ferry service provider will be collecting unwanted handsets at check in desks to help fund the work of Computers for Charities – an English-based body which distributes free computer equipment to worthy causes across the globe.

The appeal has been launched after NorthLink provided free transport and accommodation for the charity’s founder Simon Rooksby when he travelled to the Northern Isles earlier this month to deliver some much-needed computers to Disability Shetland.

Mr Rooksby made the 1875-mile round trip to Lerwick from the charity’s office in Hailsham, in Sussex, with 20 PCs, three lap-tops and printer equipment for the expansion of Disability Shetland’s computer project.

The equipment, which was donated to Computers for Charities by toy company Lego, will now be distributed free to disabled residents across Shetland to be used for a range of educational, occupational and recreational purposes.

Computers for Charities collects old mobile phones under a special deal with car giants Mercedes who exchange the handsets for vehicles to transport the charity’s equipment around the country.

Mr Rooksby said: “We are delighted NorthLink wants to continue to support our work and strengthen its links with Computers for Charities. The company is committed to the local community and wants to help encourage projects like Disability Shetland’s.”

Gareth Crichton, NorthLink’s Commercial Director, added: “NorthLink takes pride in its role of providing lifeline ferry services to Orkney and Shetland and is fully committed to playing an active part within local communities.

“We have previously supplied equipment to Computers for Charities and were more than happy to help bring the charity’s services to the people of Shetland and to begin a collection campaign which will offer the group long-term support.”