THE man who organises a charity trip from Darwen to Gambia every year has appealed for donations of musical equipment, medical supplies and toys.

Mark Atkinson takes a group of volunteers to Gambia annually as part of the Football Gambia charity appeal.

During the trip in January, which has led to Darwen being twinned with Lamin, in Gambia, the volunteers work on building projects and combine it with coaching local youngsters at football.

This year, Mr Atkinson explained, the trip would be more ambitious than ever. He said: “I am looking for old musical instruments to go with the drum kit we have. We are setting up a music school in the village.

“We also need medical supplies such as bandages, plasters and basic medication, any old gardening and standard tools, and nursery equipment as well.

“I have already acquired some as well as loads of toys for the play centres we are going to open as well.

“It is going to be epic this year and it is down to our community getting behind it with all the items collected so far.

“We will have floodlights going up on the football pitch, at least two play centres in different villages, a music school and medical supply unit.”

Anyone with items to donate can contact Mr Atkinson by emailing matkinson1@sky.com.