WORSHIPPERS at a Yarm church are flushed with success over a scheme to help drought-stricken Mozambique.

The Rev David Vonberg, superintendent minister at Yarm Methodist Church, has been totting up the results of the "Spend a penny, save a penny" scheme which has raised more than £350 towards a project to lay a pipeline for drinking water.

Churchgoers enthusiastically took up the challenge to save a penny each time they went to the loo throughout last month.

Calendars were ticked when toilets were flushed and gradually the pounds mounted up.

"It has gone really well," said Mr Vonberg, "and raised many a laugh along the way."

The idea was sparked by Peter Clark, a former colleague of Mr Vonberg who now works on mission in Mozambique. He spoke to the congregation about the country's desperate need for new wells.

As he listened to the talk, worshipper Ian Simpson hatched the idea.

"We gave everyone a grid for February and they had to tick each day each time they used the toilet," said Mr Vonberg. "This was one of a number of schemes but money has been pouring in."

Throughout this year, the church is raising money for the pipeline project. Sales of Christmas cards, a Christmas fair, choir concert and other activities are all helping bring the scheme to fruition.

So far, £1,400 has been raised, but with six months of fundraising to go, hopes are high that the £2,000 target will be reached.