CASH saved by parishioners at two churches who have given up some of life's little luxuries for Lent, are set to make a life changing difference for a family thousands of miles away who have virtually nothing apart from hope.

Worshippers at St John's Parish Church and St Andrew's at Charford have signed up to support a little known charity called Send a Cow.

Basically £750 will buy a cow for a family struggling to eke a living from the land in one of seven African countries impoverished by harsh climate, disease, war or debt, and other major problems. These countries include Ethopia, Kenya, Uganda and Zambia.

The principle is beautifully simple and sustainable. In such circumstances a cow is a valuable and much prized commodity- far better than cash

A cow provides nourishing milk, dung to enrich poor soils enabling crops to be grown and sold, urine to make into pesticides and most importantly, calves. A condition of being allocated a cow is that the first heifer calf is passed on to an equally deserving neighbour to start the cycle all over again. Bull calves are sold on.

St John's vicar, the Rev Nigel Marns, speaking at a Shrove Tuesday party in the parish hall to launch the 40-day scheme was enthusiastic.

"This Lent the people of St John's and St Andrew's are giving up an indulgence and the money saved will be used to buy a cow for a poor African family," he said.

"I believe it is a great, sustainable scheme that really works and has a practical impact to change the lives of people in Africa in a real and positive way."

Jenny Houghton from Malvern, a regional co-ordinator or 'ambassador' for the Christian charity was invited to the party to explain the scheme.

She said in 1988, when the charity started sending in-calf European breeds of cattle to Africa from Britain, the effect was immediate. The local Ankole cows give about two litres of milk a day whereas the new imports were capable of supplying ten to 14 litres or more.

"It is little wonder cows are treated like members of the family," said Jenny.

However, BSE and foot and mouth restrictions mean today animals are distributed to farmers from healthy, managed stock already in Africa.

The £750 not only buys a cow, but provides the farmer with training in cattle management and care and for follow-up veterinary checks and vaccinations.

The so called 'cattle economy' is very important, says Jenny, especially for the many war widows and genocide orphans who scratch a living from the land.

Above all ownership of a cow can help them fulfil their most passionate dream, the ability to educate their children.

Jenny said: "I know of a woman, Hilda, who - on the strength of being given a single cow - was able to put her five children through school and university and all five got professions such as teachers, lawyers and accountants. "And she has since been able to adopt eight orphans to give them the same opportunities as her own children."

Although cattle are its main focus, the charity buys other livestock and goods to give farmers a measure of independence. A flock of poultry and a cockerel costs £60, a pig £80, and £30 for 100 apple tree seedlings.