SCHOOLS in West Africa are to receive a delivery of educational equipment thanks to the efforts of a Teesside charity.

Re-Build North-East collects unwanted desks and books, as well as building materials, to help support schools in the Gambia.

And volunteers have spent two days loading up their latest haul before it is distributed to schools across the West African country next month.

Donations were collected from schools including: Jesmond Road, Hartlepool; Berwick Hills and Marton Grove, Middlesbrough; and Reeth, North Yorkshire; plus toys from local people.

Retired teacher Sue Taylor, who has been spearheading the project, will help to distribute equipment and will be lecturing physical education to trainee teachers and co-ordinating the visit of ten sports coaches from Holland to work with college students and primary children.

Chris Kemp, of Re-Build North-East, said: "It's always good to be able to help people worse off than ourselves and I believe this project provides a unique, low-cost opportunity that will benefit both communities well in to the future."

Anyone wanting more information can call Ms Taylor on 01642-270891 or 07745-746791, or Re-Build North-East on 01642226781 or 07521-209169.