KIND-hearted Wollaston students have recently returned from a life-changing trip to Gambia.

This was the eighth year pupils, staff and supporters from Ridgewood High School have visited the West African country as part of Project Gambia.

They spent time refurbishing classrooms at primary schools in Sintet and Madiana and witnessed first hand the poverty people living in Kotusilo face during a visit to the village, which has no running water or electricity.

Students also led various activities with children in Gambian villages and visited the school's farming project in Sintet to see how the fencing provided over the past two years has supported the growth of crops and helped the village to become self sufficient.

Prior to the visit, the school had spent months tirelessly fundraising and were able to use the cash to purchase solar lights, mosquito nets, rice, potatoes and onions to distribute to villagers.

Bev Hodt, assistant headteacher and Project Gambia leader, said: "The project continues to make a difference not only in the lives of people in The Gambia but also in the lives of all those who are involved in it.

"This would not be possible without the continued support from the staff, students and parents of Ridgewood High School and members of our local community. "