A NORTH-East woman is celebrating her tenth anniversary of teaching blind children in an African country where civil war has raged for a decade.

Barbara Davidson, 45, from Newcastle, travelled to Sierra Leone with the Voluntary Service Overseas in 1992.

She started teaching young women to type, but was soon transferred to the pioneering Milton Margai School for the Blind, where she now teaches youngsters to use type- writers.

Several of her pupils have gone on to secondary schools, colleges and universities.

Miss Davidson is involved in organising a voting system for blind people to take part in forthcoming elections.

During her time in Sierra Leone, armed rebels have stormed the capital, Freetown, where the Milton Margai School stands, firing shots at the building while she and the children hid inside.

She has had her home destroyed and been forced to leave the country twice, but has returned as soon as possible each time.

Miss Davidson said: "The time I had to spend away was difficult for me because, although I knew it was better to be safe than sorry, I felt guilty at leaving the children behind.

"The sadness and desolation of the people I saw is something which still touches me deeply. The positive picture is that, with peace and stability and the right government, there is a real chance for Sierra Leone."

Ms Davidson, who celebrated her anniversary by having a meal and drinks with friends, said she planned to stay at the school.

"My wish is to be able to continue my work here for as long as I am needed," she said.