A Bystock couple’s mission to raise �20,000 in 12 months for a children’s orphanage in Africa are hoping that a Christmas decoration sale this Saturday will put them within touching distance of their goal.

Marion Kohl, 60, and her husband Brian, 64, set themselves a mission last autumn to raise the cash for the 14 toddlers and children cared for at the orphanage in Arusha, Tanzania.

So far they have raised �18,000 with just two months to go to raise the money to upgrade the facilities – a nursery, which is urgently needed.

The project is funded by Devon-based Seeway Trust and relies on the generosity of fundraisers.

Every one of the decorations will have been handmade by Tanzanian women, and will be on sale from 10am to 4pm at Elizabeth Hall.

She said: “My husband and I visited the orphanage last year with a group from Christ Church, Woodbury, and we all came back inspired to raise money for them – they are doing such fantastic work with the children.

“We decided between us to try and raise �20,000 in total. We have now raised just over �18,000.

“We know it’s a bit early to be thinking of Christmas, but these beautiful items really are unique and we’re hoping that this event might just enable us to reach our target.”

She added: “Exmouth folk are very generous, as demonstrated by the amount raised so far, and more folk from the church are going over in September to help with building a new nursery.”

? For further information please contact Marion on 07745 577225.