ST THOMAS Centre girls' group held an African extravaganza to raise money for African children.

The pupil referral unit, in Lambeth Street, Blackburn, attended by teenage mums, has raised £450 so far.

Students and staff set out stalls selling African curry and other Tanzanian goods alongside raffle tickets and tombolas.

Teacher, Elaine Earnshaw is personally taking the collections to an orphanage in Tanzania, as part of the Clitheroe-based Bethany Project, which helps the victims of famine.

Mrs Earnshaw, who regularly visits the poverty stricken country in East Africa, is counting up the last donations before her trip at Easter.

She said: "I have been out there many times. And the girls wanted to donate money to African children.

"This way they know exactly where every penny is going."