HUNDREDS of orphans in famine-stricken African country Malawi are being clothed and fed thanks to a caring South Ribble woman.

Mary Woodworth, 37, of Liverpool Old Road, Walmer Bridge, set up the Friends of Mulanje Orphans charity and has been using her own money to help equip schools and feed starving children.

Thanks to local churches and schools, Mary, who was born in Mulanje, has been able to carry out her charity work ever since, with the smiles of the children she helps as her only reward.

She said: "It's a dreadful place when you go. But you have to be strong and fight on. My reward is when I see the children smiling. It's just wonderful."

Mary met her husband Keith in Mulanje and the couple moved to Walmer Bridge when his contract ran out in Africa. Two years ago Mary set up the charity to help the children back home.

She said: "It's heart-breaking to see some children dying. Last year I went with some friends.

"They wanted to see for themselves rather than just hearing about it.

"My friends just burst into tears. They were just completely speechless. They just realised how much we have and how much we waste in our homes. It's a real eye-opener."

Mary has just returned from a three-month trip to Mulanje where she has set up seven food centres for orphans. Through her charity and the donations from Preston and South Ribble residents, Mary was able to buy maize for the children who are starving as a result of poor harvests.

In a stroke of luck, while she was there she met American businessman George Conda, who donated £10,000 to the charity enabling her to build a main centre to improve, health, education, shelter and food for children.

"This was an amazing opportunity thanks to the kindness of this man," said Mary.

She added: "We were able to build our own main centre which means we no longer have to pay rent, which in turn means there is more money for food."

Mary also said that despite feeding orphans maize, there is still a huge problem which will only be resolved when the harvest improves -- which may take up to four years.

To make a donation or help raise funds call Mary on 619409.