THE TERROR and devastation caused by the massive explosion in Beirut last August was described to Rotarians in Otley during a presentation from a Lebanese club.

A spokesperson for the Rotary Club of Otley said members had been holding weekly Zoom meetings with a variety of speakers.

"A recent presentation was from a Rotary Club in Beirut when we witnessed first-hand the terror and destruction in the aftermath of the massive explosion in the city last year. Our club agreed to send a donation to help with the rebuilding of the maternity unit.

"As we are for the time being not meeting face-to-face and sharing a meal together, members are paying regular contributions to our club funds in lieu of the cost of their meal. These funds will go towards supporting the Otley food bank and other local causes."

More than 200 people died and more than 6,000 were injured when 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate stored in a port warehouse ignited. Engineers at Sheffield University said the blast was one of the largest non-nuclear explosions ever recorded.