A NEW secondary school library in The Gambia, funded by Bromsgrove residents, has been named after a town man.

Armitage Senior High School, in Janjang-Bureh in the tiny West African state, forged strong links with Bromsgrove schools back in 1987 with the help of Mike Carrick, from Upton Warren.

Now the former North Bromsgrove High School head of physics has been honoured for his hard work after the new building was called the Mike Carrick Learning Centre.

Mike, who opened the library, said: "I was shocked but delighted when I saw the sign. This really does cement the link between Armitage and Bromsgrove."

The surprise plaque had been arranged by former North deputy head Mike Hendley, who flew out to the Gambia with Mike for two weeks to join in the celebrations to mark the completion of the library.

Mike said: "The official opening was a real thrill and a great occasion. The whole school was seated in the hall, then we were asked to join the stage with Armitage principal David Haffner and chief dignitary for the district Commissioner Major Bojang. After several speeches I declared the library open.

"After three years of fundraising by the people of Bromsgrove and beyond it was marvellous to be there, to see such an excellent large building. It is a real asset to the students as a place to read and study."

The school is now appealing for typewriters and study and library books, especially copies of George Eliot's Silas Marner and Hamlet and The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare, plus study aids to accompany them. Other books needed are work, accounting, magazines and African novels. If you can help contact Mike Carrick on 01527 873135 or Mike Hendley on 01527 836054.