A UGANDAN orphanage is winning its fight for survival thanks to the generosity of Darlington people, who have raised £1,200 for the project.

But more money is needed to ensure it can continue to care for 90 youngsters.

Stephen Murphy, from the Darlington Town Mission, is hoping to raise an extra £5,000 to buy land to create a permanent site for the orphanage, which lies five miles outside the Ugandan capital, Kampala.

"They have very little support, relying largely on the money I am able to raise for them," he said.

"Their goal is to raise £5,000 to buy land for their buildings, to save the crippling rent they pay each year. At the moment, they survive by a hand-to-mouth existence, but I usually manage to send through money just in time to stave off another closure."

The Town Mission managed to raise the initial £1,200 with the help of Hurworth House School. That money enabled the scheme to deliver care and education for the children.

Mr Murphy said: "I am currently looking for different ways to raise more money for the school, which has been open for four or five years.

"We recently had someone complete the Great North Walk, but we are always looking for new ideas."

Anyone who would like to support the orphanage can contact Mr Murphy on 07947 766719.