A FAMILY wedding in Kenya proved to be a real-life changing experience for Colwall couple Tim and Philippa Charlesworth.

The couple flew to Africa for a wedding five years ago and on their way to the venue drove through the Kiberan slum on the outskirts of Nairobi.

Kibera is the world's second largest slum and the conditions in which the inhabitants live proved to be a real eye-opener for the Charlesworths.

Said Mrs Charlesworth: "You sort of know there are places like this in the world from what you see on the television, but the reality is a thousand times worse.

"Yet among this squalor there was amazing creativity and some of the tribespeople had set up a workshop to make shoes from unused rubber tyres. It was truly inspiring."

The uniqueness of the products caught the Charlesworth's imagination and they set about assisting the workers with the help of their son Jonathan - who is due to study footwear at the London College of Fashion in September - to adapt the original Masai designs to suit soft-soled Western footwear.

Back home in England, they formed Jambo-Jambo, an on-line retail business, which is now the UK importer for the Maasai Treads range of handmade sandals, boots and bags and subscribers to a Fair Trade policy that ensures the workers are fairly recompensed for their products.

Destined to be the next Crocs, Maasai Treads are based on a design that the African tribespeople have worn for almost a century.

They come in several styles.

Sambaru sandals are practical, comfortable and ideal footwear for anyone who enjoys extreme sports or just relaxing. The sole is made from tyre treads, making them hard-wearing as well as providing the ultimate in grip.

The straps have a recycled lined sidewall to give them strength as well as comfort.

Diani and Kilifi Sandals are an unusual combination of tyre tread sole and inner tube straps.

Masai tread boots combine leather and inner-tube uppers with the traditional Maasai Treads tyre sole. Inner tube toe caps feature an original puncture patch which adds to their authenticity.

As well as helping provide a sustainable income for the families, the Masai Treads are also eco-friendly. By using the rubber tyres to make the shoes it saves them being sent to land fill sites or even burnt.

More details from www.jambo-jambo.co.uk