EMIRATES is refusing to back down after an aid worker was told she could not board a plane with a bag of clothes intended for disabled orphans in Africa.

Brenda Johnson, 68, from Stratton, is due to travel to Zambia in May to take care of disabled kids.

The orphanage is crying out for children’s underwear and Brenda was planning to take as much as she possibly can.

But last Wednesday she was told that she couldn’t take a much-needed suitcase full of underwear for the children without paying an £800 excess baggage charge.

The story, which was reported in the Adver on Friday, has since hit national headlines in a massive outpouring of sympathy for Brenda.

But despite that, Emirates airlines still hasn’t changed its position, choosing instead to comment on its many philanthropic activities.

A company spokesman said: "We were surprised to hear about Ms. Johnson’s story as Emirates offers one of the industry’s most generous baggage allowance. The weight of each passenger’s baggage can have a significant impact on the overall load of the aircraft and fuel consumption.

“For such cases we normally recommend looking at other shipping solutions which are better suited for customers looking to ship large volumes.

“Emirates, through The Emirates Airline Foundation, supports a number of philanthropic initiatives in Africa and around the world, which is something the company is passionate about."

An exasperated Brenda described the situation as “a poor state of affairs” and is trying to remain optimistic that a solution can be found before she makes the 5,000 mile journey in May.

She will be taking a 30 kilo case filled with things for the children and just enough clothes to see her through her two month stay.

The airline has a standard 30 kilo luggage allowance and Brenda’s extra suitcase, filled with underwear that the orphanage desperately needs, would add an extra 20 kilos.

When she asked about breaching the weight limit, she was told that it would cost her £40 per kilo for doing so.

Unfortunately Brenda is yet to hear if the airline has changed its mind.