CHARITY fundraisers are looking to build an £80,000 nursery for youngsters in Africa.

The Friends of Bethel Nursery School (FBNS) hope to build the nursery in Gambia, in West Africa.

The fundraisers, from across the region, have already raised £6,000.

Architect's plans have been drawn up and foundations laid, but the project has stalled because of a lack of funds.

The area's current nursery has 300 children aged three to seven, who are taught in cramped conditions.

FBNS trustee Chris Jackson, from York, said: "At present, they hold the nursery sessions in a Methodist church.

"We hope to give them a completely new building, with eight classrooms, a meeting room and play facilities.

"It is a fantastic project, as the nursery has outgrown its present facilities.

"We do not have a set date to complete the project, as it depends on when the rest of the money comes in."

Trustees chairwoman Margaret Messer thought of the scheme after she spent time in Gambia.

She was posted there with the Voluntary Service Overseas group, and knew people who used the nursery.

The idea for a school came five years ago, with the FBNS charity set up a year ago to raise the money.

There is no state education in Gambia, and the nursery is one of 12 schools run by the Methodist Church.

It was set up in 1977 and employs eight teachers, who cope with classes of up to 40 pupils.

Conditions are cramped, with toilets across a yard and buckets of water put out to drink from.

Lessons are taught in English, and the facilities are used by several groups each day.

Fundraiser Daphne Jackson said: "It is a very worthwhile cause as they have so little there.

"In this country, things come so easily, but out there, they have to work for them."

To help boost funds, the group will hold a free gardener's fair from 11am to 3pm on Saturday, May 19, in Holy Trinity Church, Ripon.

Among items on sale will be artefacts and plants from Gambia.

To help the group, email friendsbns@aol.com