YOUNG pupils have raided their toy boxes at home to give cuddly toys, books and craft materials to children in West Africa.

The gifts from St Mary's Hall, Stony-hurst, will be taken to a school in Dawhenya, a suburb of the capital of Ghana, Accra, by former Stonyhurst pupil Annie Lea.

She has volunteered to help teach in the school for one month.

Annie, 19, who lives in Hurst Green, is a medical student at Exeter University said she had managed to save the money for her air fare by living very frugally.

The pupils of St Mary's Hall, where Annie's mum Marie is head of pre-prep, have learned about the many African children who do not get to school and the shortage of teachers.

Last year they lobbied Tony Blair with pictures of children as part of the send my buddy to school' campaign.

They then decided to help Annie and the children in Ghana by donating their own stationery, books and toys for her to take.

Annie added: "The school in Dawhenya is only 60 per cent staffed and has very few resources.

"There is an average of 40 children in each class and they desperately need more teachers and materials."