LOOSE change doesn't make holes in pupils' pockets at a Hindley high school any more.

Small coins are put to good use these days at Mornington High where cash is collected to sponsor an adopted Third World child.

For the past 10 years the school has been involved in sponsoring children, first of all by backing young Nasire Awele, until she reached the age of 16 when she married, and then the school's support was transferred to Afrane Kdir and her family.

Afrane lives in very basic surroundings, a mud hut with a few animals which only provide her family with the basic needs of existence, which is where the school's help is invaluable.

Afrane's family grows crops such as maize and wheat and the cereal teff and they sell their produce at Dalocha Market.

A picture of Afrane hangs in all form rooms and the dining hall to remind them of the family's needs and how they can help the situation.

Aluminium cans used to be collected at school to raise the much needed funds, but that operation has ended.

Now Mornington dinner ladies have generously allowed pupils to do their bit by having a collection box at the side of the tills into which they put their loose change.

A school spokesman said, "It's so easy to sponsor a child in this way and we hope, other schools in the area will help a third world child and it's family".