Orphaned African children have been given an education lifeline thanks to the fundraising efforts of a Botesdale woman. Angela Philpot has raised £600 to enable more children to be able to attend a school she visited while on a study trip to Swaziland.

Orphaned African children have been given an education lifeline thanks to the fundraising efforts of a Botesdale woman.

Angela Philpot has raised £600 to enable more children to be able to attend a school she visited while on a study trip to Swaziland.

“Education isn't free and there are children who hang around outside schools, desperate to learn but unable to attend because there is no money for their school fees and uniforms,” said the 26-year-old, who is manager of Wortham Boarding Kennels.

She spent three weeks at Mlilwante Game Sanctuary in Swaziland with fellow animal conservation students, and the youngsters who will benefit attend Esitjeni Primary School, on the edge of the reserve.

“As well as hippos, wildebeest and zebra the park is home to other rare breeds - and unless local people understand the importance of preservation and are given the opportunity to earn a living then poaching is a real threat,” added Miss Philpot.

“It all starts with getting children to school and I'm extremely grateful to everyone for their support. The money will go to those who really need it most,” she added.

As well as organising a cake sale and fundraising aerobics session, she also appealed to local businesses for help. Those who responded included Rosedale Funeral Home in Diss whose £210 donation will pay for five children to go to school.

“It's wonderful to think that 2008 will be a year of real promise for children who were being deprived of the chance to learn. Education is such a basic essential and we hope that these children will now face a brighter future,” said funeral director Richard Green.