TEENAGERS from an orphanage in Tanzania are to live in East Lancashire for a year to help them lead a life of independence in Africa.

The five boys and three girls from the Bethany Project orphanage, which stands in 30 acres of land on the shore of Lake Victoria, will live with host families while they study at Accrington and Rossendale College.

The youngsters will take courses in carpentry, joinery, plumbing and child care after arriving in September.

The Bethany Project was set up in 1990 and is strongly supported by a number of churches across East Lancashire. Its UK base is at the Hope Centre in Oswaldtwistle.

Volunteers make regular trips to Africa to carry out building work and schooling and some of the children visited East Lancashire last autumn to tell people about the charity.

John Brindle, who lectures in carpentry and joinery, became involved with the project through another volunteer and has been out to Africa to help at the orphanage. He said: "The chance to study over here is a great opportunity for the teenagers.

Learning a trade is very important for the boys because they will be able to go back to Tanzania with improved job prospects.

"There are no proper child care qualifications in the country so the courses here are essential for the girls if they want to work with children when they return. "The English that they learn while they are over here will also be a great asset."

He added: "The skills that they learn will help them live independent lives away from the orphanage. Leaving is a difficult step to take but they are reaching an age when it is time for them to go, so the more prepared they are the better.

"It would be absolutely fantastic if we could do this ever year."

Anyone interested in providing financial support for the academic year can contact Rebecca Smith at the Hope Centre on 01254 386475.