A TEACHER has launched a fundraising campaign to provide much-needed equipment for a school in his home country in Africa.

Mxolisi Ndlovu, a PE teacher at Eastbourne School, in Darlington, has not forgotten the plight of his former school in Zimbabwe - and has enlisted the help of his pupils and colleagues to help it out.

The Amandlethu secondary school is in desperate need of furniture, textbooks and other vital equipment.

Mr Ndlovu, together with Eastbourne school technician Anthony Scott, arranged an appeal which has seen pupils and staff donating their loose change. More than £400 has been raised.

"The kids back in Zimbabwe really don't have anything in terms of resources like tables, chairs or textbooks. They are sharing one textbook between seven students," he said.

"I've been astounded by the response to this appeal - the generosity of the pupils and members of staff."

Mr Ndlovu, who started at Eastbourne School last year, said: "It is my old school so it means a lot to me personally. It is very close to my heart."

Anyone who would like to make a donation can call Mr Ndlovu at the school on (01325) 267300.