Rebecca Passant, 21, of Hawkshaw Avenue, took time out after completing a degree at Liverpool University to travel to Ghana in January.

The former law student, currently working part-time as a TV licensing assistant service adviser, was so touched by the children's eagerness to learn she vowed to help improve conditions.

The orphanage at which Rebecca taught, in Cape Coast, doubled as the village school with 35 children, aged from 18 months to 16 years, paying to be educated.

But three of the four classrooms in the primitive school did not have a roof, meaning when it rained lessons had to be abandoned.

Since her return to Darwen in April, Rebecca has worked hard to try to raise the £4,000 needed to pay for a roof.

With the help of her mother, she has already raised £2,000 through car boot sales, sponsored walks, raffles, and other events.

But she is appealing to local businesses and well-wishers to donate cash to help her achieve her target.

Rebecca said: "When I finished university I wanted to pursue a career in law, but first I decided to travel and, almost by accident, ended up working in this orphanage in Cape Coast, Ghana.

"When I got there I started teaching the kids -- I haven't got any teacher training, but neither have the rest of the teachers over there. In Ghana children have to pay for their education, which means many families cannot afford to send their kids to school.

The message I want to get across is that what seems like a small amount of money over here can make a huge difference over there.

"It costs £10 to educate a child for a year in Ghana.

I hope people will be generous, especially since this coincides with the Making Poverty History campaign. This is a very real, tangible way people can help."

Make Poverty History is a national campaign to cancel Third World Debt, and give more support to the world's poorest countries.

Almost 400 charities and organisations across the UK have joined forces to promote the campaign.

To help Rebecca call her on 01254 601109.