A NEWTON Aycliffe couple are preparing to fly on a mission to Africa.

Jim and June Brown, from The Torch Bearer Ministry, are heading to Tanzania next Tuesday, for two weeks.

They will be living in basic accommodation with a missionary, Pastor James Colton, and will be preaching, teaching, holding seminars and crusades in the small villages of the Kibaha district.

The trip has been organised by Sedgeley International Christian Ministries, in the West Midlands.

Mrs Brown said: "Tanzania is a poor country and there are many needs out there.

"The water supply is more often off than on, making it virtually impossible for the people to wash their clothes and so on.

"There is a definite need for someone to help solve the problem with this water supply. The electricity is intermittent and at its best light is very dim."

Pastor Colton and Pastor Robert Chinundo are in the process of building a school to improve education. Teachers are needed to help once the building is complete.

To find out more about missionary work, or to make a donation, write to SICM PO Box 1216 Dudley DY3 1GW.