CRAYONS, chalk, pens, pencils and writing equipment are being collected by a retired teacher to send to an African school.

The appeal has already attracted offers of support from businesses in the Malvern area.

Brenda Wholey has launched the campaign in order to give as many writing implements as she can to Lower Tanjeh Basic School in the Gambia.

Ms Wholey was so shocked by the lack of facilities and deprivation she saw when on holiday there in November that she pledged to return with pens and chalk for the teachers.

"The word basic more than aptly describes this school," she said. "The staff are totally dedicated but they have little or nothing in terms of resources with which to work.

"The pupils are desperate to learn. They have to share one pencil between six, there is only enough funding to provide one exercise book to write in for the whole year, there are no toilet facilities for pupils or staff and most lessons are presented orally as there is so little chalk."

She said teachers at Lower Tanjeh Basic School work 12-hour shifts and the children hang up their uniforms at the end of each day before "running home in their underpants".

Ms Wholey returned to her West Malvern Road home determined to do something to ease the plight of the children and set herself a target of returning with 1,000 or more pens, pencils and crayons.

She is also sponsoring a child through the country's secondary school system, which is not funded by the state.

"If you see any children out on the streets asking for something it will be asking for a pencil for school," she said.

"Parents are asked to provide basic equipment for school but they are simply too poor."

Ms Wholey has already received support from W H Smith, Severn Office Systems, The Body Works Fitness Studio, M J Decor, Malvern Gazette and Fearnside's Art. West Malvern foster care agency, The Orange Grove, has also pledged to match whatever the appeal brings in.

Donations can be left at the Body Works studio at Wells Road, Malvern, or collection can be arranged by calling 01684 563121.