SCHOOLCHILDREN in The Gambia will now be able to work in comfort after a Halesowen primary school donated hundreds of tables and chairs.

Following Newfield Park Primary School’s decision to replace more than 150 tables and 300 chairs, the school contacted Ridgewood High School, in Wollaston, to see if the Project Gambia initiative could put their old furniture to good use.

To get the large donation across to Africa, leaders of Project Gambia had to hire a 40ft container so the load can be delivered to a school in Madiana.

Currently, students at the Gambian school learn by sitting on the floor and write in the sand.

Bev Hodt, assistant headteacher at Ridgewood and Project Gambia leader, said: “The children who go to this school live in some of the worst conditions in The Gambia.

“The live on the edge of a rubbish dump with no electricity or running water and these will be the only presents they receive this year.

“Also in the container we are sending a huge amount of clothes, shoes, school resources and 250 Christmas shoeboxes, donated by students and residents of Stourbridge, for the children who go to the school at Half Dye.

“We are very lucky to have the support of so many other primary and secondary schools throughout the borough.”

More information about Project Gambia can be found at www.projectgambia.org.uk, while donations can be taken to Ridgewood High School, or made by calling Bev Hodt on 01384 818445 or visiting www.justgiving.com/projectgambia