A CHURCH is helping poverty-stricken schools in Ghana by sending out surplus equipment from a school.

The opening of the £20m Unity City Academy, in Middlesbrough, has meant that the entire contents of the former building are now surplus to requirements.

The New Life Baptist Church, in Northallerton, has arranged to transport a 40ft container filled with computers, books, desks, chairs, whiteboards, over head projectors and cooking equipment to a school in Ghana.

The Reverend Rodney Breckon, senior minister, said: "Our church has had strong links with Ghana for a number of years and has helped to build an orphanage and school in Accra.

"It is frustrating on the one hand to see so much surplus equipment and on the other hand to be aware of the desperate need of resources in Ghana."

The cost of the shipping is £2,500 and anyone who can help to raise the funds can contact the church at 52-54 High Street, Northallerton, on (01609) 775396.