A BRIERFIELD school is helping break down barriers between different cultures and customs by donating 100 computers to be used by children in Africa.

Mansfield High School, Elland Road, Brierfield, made the donation after it upgraded its IT system.

Computers for Africa -- a Scottish charity -- collects computers donated by schools, businesses and other groups and sends them to African countries to be used in schools and community groups.

The upgrade meant many of the school's computers were no longer compatible with the network system.

As a result the computers, including hardware, scanners and printers will be shipped over to Africa in the coming weeks. And in appreciation to the school, the charity has invited pupils to visit Africa and to see how the computers will be used.

Andrew Blackburn, IT system manager at Mansfield, said: "We are delighted to be able to support this excellent scheme. Significant expenditure by the school on IT equipment during 2003 meant we were able to release this much needed equipment. We are considering the invitation to visit"

The charity, started in 1996 has sent 300 PCs to Kenya, Lisotu, South Africa, Uganda and Zambia.

Charity chairman Terry Heaviside said: "We thank the school for their most generous donation and we would like to invited Mansfield students to visit Africa to see the equipment being given a second lease of life.offer training and education but the computers are about helping people to learn about each others cultures, breaking down barriers and making new friends."