A WOMAN has returned from work in Southern India to raise cash for a school for young "untouchables".

Anne Gilbert, of Milton Avenue, Clitheroe, began travelling in 1974 after the death of her 16-year-old son and the break-up of her marriage.

She went to Bali, where she studied Tantra yoga and traditional dance; Australia, where she lived with Aborigines; Thailand, where she qualified in Thai massage at the Wat Poh temple, and India, where she studied natural medicine, meditation and Hinduism. Now Anne has returned from the Auroville community in the Tamil Nadu region of Southern India to raise funds for a school that provides education to lower-caste children, known as the "untouchables".

Auroville, which home to 1,500 people from 30 countries, is a sustainable living and renewable energy project supported by UNESCO. Its school provides education and food for poverty-striken children.

And Anne, a former pupil of Bowland High School, Grindleton, has returned to the Ribble Valley for a three-month period to raise cash.

"Children from the very lowest classes receive education and a nourishing meal," she explained.

"Their parents work long hours in frightful jobs and the youngsters are often put out to work at a very early age.

"We operate a drop-in system for children who work in the fields, who, because of the education they receive, are able to go into the wider community with much better prospects.

"Many are able to gain employment as apprentices, or even teachers.

"If we don't act to heal the disparity in the world then I believe we are going to be facing a lot of problems in the West," said Anne.

"We can no longer take so much without putting something back. By educating these children we are attempting to restore their fundamental rights," she added.

Anne is offering to give illustrated talks about the school to community and service groups.

She can be contacted on 01200 428298.

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