A DARLINGTON man is asking for help with extending an orphanage in Africa.

Chris McEvoy, 22, who is studying at Manchester University and went to Carmel College, is calling on people to either volunteer at the orphanage in Tanzania, or to make a financial or practical donation towards the project.

Mr McEvoy's university friend, Carly Townsend, founded the charity, Upendo, in 2009, after returning from a spell at an existing orphanage where she witnessed neglect, exploitation and abuse.

Funds were raised, and in the summer of 2010, building work started on the project.

At present they look after seven children, but are hoping to extend the building this summer so they can house as many orphans as possible.

Mr McEvoy, who is revisiting the project in August, said: "Upendo is looking to take any independent, innovative and eager volunteers.

"We also would like artistic volunteers to come and paint the rooms in a variety of themes when the building work is finished.

"Most charities require that you raise a large sum of money to go out to participate. With Upendo the cost of living can be as cheap as £150a-month, or £30-a-week for rent, plus the cost of your flight and you can reallymake a difference."

Mr McEvoy will be organising a number of football and music projects with the children for the three months he is there, and is asking for donations of old football shirts and footballs, as well as recorders, triangles and guitars.

On his trip, Mr McEvoy will also be trekking upMount Kilimanjaro to raise money for another charity, Practical Action. He is holding a livemusic fundraising event at St Augustine's Parish Centre, in Larchfield Street, Darlington on Saturday, March 31, with Darlington jazz band The Vast Majority, to raise money for both Upendo and Practical Action.

All ages are welcome and tickets, which include a hot meat sandwich from local butcher Taylors, cost £5.

To buy a ticket, email Mr McEvoy on macalaca@hot mail. co. uk Any inquiries about the charity can be emailed to enquiries@upendo. org. uk and it is also on Facebook and Twitter under the name Upendo Childrens Home.

Alternatively, visit upendo.org.uk for more information.