A COLLEGE is teaming up with schools to help South African pupils.

The school council at Woodham Community Technology College, Newton Aycliffe, was contacted by the Winston Churchill Trust earlier this year, asking if it would be willing to link with a foreign school.

In South Africa, pupils learn the same types of lessons as English students, but have a shortage of books.

The college has been linked with Eketsang High School, on the outskirts of Johannesburg, which has 1,400 students aged between five and 18.

It hopes to collect 3,000 books by Christmas.

Deputy head girl Laura Dent and fellow pupil Jenny Cooke have contacted schools and book shops in the county.

Donations have been made by Sugar Hill, Vane Road, St Francis and Woodham Burn primary schools in Newton Aycliffe, and Spennymoor Comprehensive School.

Clarkes of Durham and WHSmith, in Bishop Auckland, have also helped.

Anybody who would like to help by donating books should contact the college on (01325) 300328