BAKERY tubs are being transported halfway around the world to be re-used in a Tanzania centre for poverty-stricken children.

North Yorkshire chain Thomas the Baker, which originated in Helmsley, has teamed up with Rotary International to donate plastic tubs and lids – normally used for storing jam and butter - and sending them to Lake Victoria Children’s Centre, on the island of Ukerewe in Tanzania.

The centre supports vulnerable children who have been left without parents due to ill health or death.

Chris Chapman, quality assurance manager at Thomas the Baker, said: “Due to the quantities of ingredients used at the bakery here in Helmsley we’re inundated with large containers and tubs, and it’s fantastic that they’re of use to the residents of Ukerewe and the orphaned children for day-to-day tasks such as carrying food and water.

“Who’d have thought our old containers would be making such as difference to the lives of people half way across the world?” The tubs are particularly useful for keeping flies and insects away from food.