A Bystock couple have raised �577 for a children’s orphanage in Africa at a sale of Christmas decorations made by Tanzanian women.

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

They set themselves the task of raising �20,000 in 12 months, from October to October, and the cash raised at the event last week at the Elizabeth hall will help them upgrade the facilities including a nursery.

Now they have a total of �18,477 with two months to go - the project is funded by Devon-based Seeway Trust and relies on the generosity of fundraisers.

She said: “We were delighted to have raised �577.

“Exmouth folk are very generous, as demonstrated by the amount raised so far.”

? A two-day 38-mile charity walk organised by Exmouth’s Quentin Jackson for the same charity takes place next month along the popular Coleridge Way, Exmoor.

For further information telephone Quentin (evenings only) on 01395 274200.