PRIMARY school children across Stourbridge are helping to make a huge difference to the lives of children in Africa after raising £1,600.

In the past year, children from eight Stourbridge schools have been raising funds towards a new medical centre in The Gambia which was set up by Ridgewood High School’s Project Gambia initiative.

Thanks to the money raised by the students, the initiative has been able to employ a nurse who will work within the Newlife Children's Centre and Clinic as well as the local school.

Pupils involved in raising the money were from Church of the Ascension, Ham Dingle, St James's C of E, Quarry Bank, Amblecote, Hob Green, Rufford and The Ridge Primary Schools.

Bev Hodt, Ridgewood High School’s assistant headteacher and Project Gambia leader, said: “The money that the primary schools have raised will really change children's lives in The Gambia.

“The appointment of a school nurse will make a huge difference to the lives of these vulnerable children who will now be able to receive the medical care that they would not otherwise be able to afford.”

The medial centre is currently in need of a range of first aid items including antibiotics, Ventolin inhalers and anti-malaria drugs. It also has a maternity ward, meaning antenatal and postnatal items are also needed.

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