A DURHAM women's organisation is raising money to prevent malaria in pregnant women and children in Africa.

Soroptimist International of Durham is supporting Soroptimist Roll-Back Malaria, a joint project with the World Health Organisation, to fund insecticide-treated mosquito nets for every pregnant woman and families with children under the age of five in Ze, a poor rural community in Benin.

"Malaria kills more people in Africa than HIV and Aids," said club president Fiona Eltringham.

Funds raised by the Durham Soroptimists will go to buy nets, which cost about £2 each, and offer highly effective protection against the malaria-carrying mosquito.

Anyone wanting to make a donation should write to Vyvyenne Mack at 19 Whitwell Acres, High Shincliffe, Durham.