A container with donations to a school in Africa has reached its final destination. Earlier this year, Hooke Court, Beaminster, sent out an appeal for educational resources to be sent to Malawi, where it supports nine schools in a very rural, remote area.

The pupils at the schools have almost nothing in way of basic equipment, not even enough pencils, chalk or exercise books.

Classes are often filled with more than 100 children, many of whom have to sit on a bare sandy floor.

The team at Hooke Court purchased a 20 foot container, and thanks to the generosity of many individuals and schools, was filled with books, maths and science resources, sewing machines, clothes and 10 bikes donated by Prodigal Bikes of Merriott.

The container has now arrived at its final destination in Bandawe, where its arrival caused great excitement.

The contents are gradually being distributed, under the supervision of trustee of the charity, Hooke Court in Malawi, Mandy Cooper and her husband Pete.

Sarah McConnell, chair of Hooke Court in Malawi Trustees, said: "The charity is enormously grateful to all those who have been so generous with their donations and time to ensure that this container arrived full of resources in Bandawe, Malawi.

"The difference it will make to the pupils and staff is hard for us to imagine.

"Christmas has come early for the children."

Later in the month, a group of volunteers will be joining Mandy to work alongside the teachers to give them ideas of how to use the resources in their daily teaching.