Young children and families in one Blackburn neighbourhood are aiming to raise thousands to help those affected by the drought in Africa.

Members of the Lammack community have already raised more than £1,500 towards an appeal and are due to take part in further activities in the coming weeks.

Ayaz Vali said: “East Africa and areas such Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia have been hit with one of the most severe periods of drought with five continuous years of well-below average rainfall.

"Kenya alone has 4.2 million people in need of emergency aid.

“The prolonged and ongoing suffering by the people of Kenya is truly heartbreaking and unimaginable.

“A team of five local friends from Lammack in support of Mountain of Mercy charity and the Lammack Prayer Room, have initiated the Kenya Drought Appeal.

“They are on a mission to raise awareness, bring the wider community together, and help instil a passion for charity work within the younger generation.”

Children, aged four to 11, who have been selling various merchandise during the past two weeks raised in excess of £1,500.

A sponsored hike up 'Mount Snowdon' has been arranged for families to join the cause on Saturday, October 15, and a 'Sunday Curry Day' has been planned to take a day off from the kitchen on October 23.

An eight year old girl, A'ishah-Rawhah Gani, with support from staff at Lammack Primary School, has challenged herself to climb Mount Snowdon.

Ayaz added: “In late October the team of five volunteers will be travelling to Kenya to personally hand deliver aid.

"They have funded their own expenses so all donations will be going directly to the worthy cause.”