A HERD of goats will be the Christmas gift for a family in East Africa from parishioners of St Margaret's Church, Hapton.

The goats are one of three life-changing gifts which the congregation are making this Christmas to some of the poorer people in the world, just as Jesus received three gifts from the wise men.

But in place of gold, frankincense and myrrh they are giving the herd of goats, donating two harvest packs containing seeds and farming tools, each of which will provide a family with enough fresh food and grain for a year, and a gift of education.

Church council member Sheila Livesey said: "We will provide six school packs containing pens, pencils, paper, etc and a school uniform to allow six children to attend school. This gift will go to somewhere in Asia."

The donations are being made through the group World Vision. The Hapton villagers will not know exactly where the gifts go but know that the goats will provide milk and and income for one poor family.

All three Christmas gifts have cost £252 raised at various events throughout the year.

Sheila said: "Each year we raise money for people in Third World countries. Last year the Brownies sent some chickens."

And the work doesn't end there. The Mothers' Union are currently busy collecting basic items like threads, needles and bandages to be sent to Ruanda.

The latest items which the Mothers Union are seeking are carpenters' tools to be sent to the Third World.

Anyone who can provide any of the items is asked to ring Sheila on 01282 776006.