MONMOUTH based charity Hands Around The World (HATW) has sent dozens of bicycles and a Fordson Major tractor to Africa as part of its latest effort to help vulnerable children.

Last week the group loaded a container full of supplies which will go towards helping orphan school children in Benin.

Project coordinator Dick Wheelock said the bikes had some from the people of Monmouth.

He said: “We have a tractor, quite a lot of spare parts and some office furniture that Monmouthshire County Council gave us.

“We have been collecting the bikes for five years or so, they have all been given by people from around Monmouth.”

The bikes will be much sought after by the children going into secondary school who face long trips every day.

Mr Wheelock said: “Once the children go to secondary school they very often have got anything up to eight to 10 miles each way to walk. So bicycles, particularly for girls are quite important.”

It is hoped that the contents of the container will not help the children at the orphanage which (HATW) support but orphaned children around the area.

Mr Wheelock said: “There is currently 11 children in the orphanage, they have got room for 20 but it has really only just started, they are building up.

“There is another almost 100 orphan children who are living with relatives but are being supported with school fees. Once they get to 13 the go to secondary school which they have to pay for.”

For more information about what HATW does or how to support them, visit the website www.hatw.org.uk