HAGLEY people are being urged to help earthquake victims who share historic links with the Worcestershire village.

Lord Cobham, from Hagley Hall, is spearheading a campaign to support relief work in Christchurch, New Zealand, which was hit by a major earthquake last month killing around 180 people.

The Lyttleton family, which has owned the Hagley Estate since 1564, played a major role in establishing a settlement at Christchurch and the main port on New Zealand’s South Island is called Lyttleton Harbour.

Lord Cobham said: “The family empathise with our friends in New Zealand. As a gesture of support we are holding an open day and cricket festival at Hagley on Sunday July 10 to raise money to help towards the restoration of Christchurch Cathedral.

“The Hall and the Park will be open to the public and there will be many attractions for all the family.”

Hagley schools are working with village police officer, Pc Chris Lord, to set up closer links with Hagley Community College in Christchurch.

The New Zealand city’s college principal, Brent Ingram, said: “The oak trees on our site originally came from the Hagley Estate and the very large park that sits in front of the college and covers a huge area of central Christchurch is called Hagley Park.

“It has been a difficult time for us in Christchurch but we are resilient and strong and will rebuild our broken community.”

The Lyttleton family’s links with New Zealand go back to 1848 when George William, the fourth Lord Lyttleton, was chairman of the Canterbury Association which encouraged around 3,500 people to emigrate to the colony.

The present Lord Cobham’s father, Charles, was Governor General of New Zealand from 1957 to 1962.

Details of Hagley events to support earthquake victims in Christchurch will be published on www.hagleyhall.com as they become available.