THREE policemen have taken part in a 24-hour badminton match to help build an orphanage in Ghana.

PCs Steve Norman and Phil Bird, with Insp Mark Rhodes, played their part in the match at the New Life Baptist church, Northallerton, to raise cash towards the £40,000 appeal to build an orphanage in the Ghanaian capital of Accra.

All three are members of the New Life church, which is behind the fundraising campaign nationally. PC Norman travelled to Accra for the second time in February to see the conditions for himself.

He said: "The poverty is horrendous, with a typical family of four living in accommodation measuring 10ft by 8ft.

"The cooking is done outside and washing is over an open sewer. The orphans live anywhere they can find and are never likely to find a home or education."

The project run by the New Life church aims to offer a safe place to call home as well as providing food and education.

The plan is to erect a three-storey building and hospital services for more than 100 orphans aged three-15.

Web site chance for artists

RURAL Arts North Yorkshire is offering artists an opportunity to promote their work.

It is setting up a web site to include a data base of artists to allow communities to initiate art projects.

People interested should contact Rural Arts North Yorkshire. They will have to supply a recent photograph of themselves and a brief synopsis of what they do and the techniques they use, as well as details of their projects. Ring 01845 526536 or email ruralarts.org.