Wigglesworth Community Centre has pledged its support for the charity Mary’s Meals for the next 12 months.

The charity encourages children in places like Africa to get educated by providing a simple meal to those who attend the school.

It also supplies backpacks, with essential items needed by youngsters in their everyday life and schooling.

These include a bar of soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, small towel, shorts/skirt, T-shirt, pair of flip-flops, crayons, pens, pencils sharpener, eraser, ruler, pencil case, exercise book, spoon and a small ball.

Now the centre is appealing for backpack items, which can be either new or good-quality second hand.

“Can you imagine the joy on the face of a child who has nothing when they receive a gift?” said centre manager Anne Clarke.

To find out more, contact Anne on 01729 840794 or visit marysmeals.org.uk