WOMEN waging a war against poverty from a rural Teesdale village are calling for more handy team members to join the ranks.

Bowes WI is on a mission to send as many dresses and shorts as possible to deprived children living in Africa.

The group of women are appealing for people to help with all aspects of the Little Dresses for Africa project - from cutting out and ironing to sewing seams and adding buttons and trimmings.

Bowes WI president, Joan Coleman, said: “Although we are a small WI serving our local village community, we are very much in touch with global issues so we thought that making these dresses for vulnerable girls in Africa. Turning something unwanted into something with huge value was the perfect activity for us.”

Drop-ins will be held at The Ancient Unicorn next month.

On Tuesday, September 12, members of the public can find out more about the project and drop off donations of materials between 7pm and 9pm.

And on Tuesday, September 26, the group is holding a sewing bee from 10am until 3pm when members will start making the items of clothing. Lesley Sutherland, general manager of The Ancient Unicorn, which is supporting the campaign, said: “Supporting our local WI with this wonderful initiative is just an extension of our wish to be at the heart of village life.” Donations of cotton dress fabrics, threads, ribbons, buttons and bows are sought.

For details call Jackie Seddon on 01833 628110 or email jfseddon2428@gmail.com.