A TEESDALE woman who spent 11 years teaching in Tanzania is hoping a charity auction will help raise funds to provide regular fresh water to a hospital in the country.

Joyce Jackson moved to the African country with her former husband in 1959, and taught hundreds of poverty- stricken children in the country before her return to County Durham in 1970.

She has since returned on several occasions. Her last trip was in 2000, when she visited staff and patients at Kilimatinde Hospital, which only has water three times a week.

Ms Jackson said: "At the moment they have to pump the water to the hospital, but they cannot afford to pay for the diesel to power the pump, and have to care for patients with very limited resources.

"I want to raise money to take out to the hospital for my next visit in July."

The charity auction will be held in Middleton-in-Teesdale village hall on Saturday, between 2pm and 4.30pm.

Afternoon tea will be available and tickets cost £1, which includes a free raffle ticket. For further details call (01833) 640811.