CELEBRATING the Christmas story has given pupils at Timberscombe First School the chance to help their counterparts in Zambia have one of the most basic pieces of classroom equipment.

A total of £108 raised at last December's nativity service will go towards providing classroom desks for children at Timberscombe's link school, Petauke.

The money was handed over to John Gratton from the Dunster Benefice, which has had long links with Zambia, as has Timberscombe and neighbouring Cutcombe First School, with which it is federated.

And next Friday (February 24) further fundraising to boost the desk appeal will take place when retired Dunster GPs Drs Mike and Anne Currie give a presentation and talk about their recent two-year volunteering stint at St Francis Hospital in Zambia's Katete district.

Marcus Capel, headteacher of Timberscombe and Cutcombe schools, will also speak about his trip to Petauke and Cutcombe's link school of Mzenje last August.

The event at Timberscombe Village Hall gets underway at 7.30pm.

Admission is free but donations will be welcome.

Photo: Steve Guscott