A FORMER solicitor has shared his experiences teaching African orphans with Aids with a group of school children in Bishop Auckland.

Tim Bittlestone told the year seven students from Bishop Barrington School that the youngsters in Uganda were eager to learn but were extremely short of text books and other learning equipment.

He also brought the group letters from the youngsters he had been teaching, asking for British penpals.

The students were so touched by the plight of their African peers that they agreed to write to them and start collecting books, jigsaw puzzles and sports equipment that will be sent out to help them.

Lynne Walker, from the school, said: "The children really enjoyed Tim's talk and presentation.

"They were fascinated by some of the facts and figures."