A BURNLEY company has given the gift of life to a million African villagers this Christmas.

AquAid has donated £150,000 to buy 1,000 specialised pumps for people in the northern and southern Highland villages of Zimbabwe.

And the company is preparing for similar ventures in Malawi and Mozambique.

This has thrown a valuable lifeline to villagers as well as making them self-sufficient.

Neil Tyson, AquAid director, said: "In our broadly affluent society, to know that we have provided a new lease of life to this many people who may not have seen Christmas this year is quite humbling."

The arrangement with the Pump Aid charity has been ongoing for the last 18 months.

For every water cooler sold, the Burnley business, based in Farrington Road, contributes cash to the charity to buy an Elephant Pump in Africa.

Customers are given the chance to have their name written on the pump.

Mr Tyson added: "We would like to thank everyone who partners with us for taking this part of our work so seriously. It is making a huge difference."

The pump can be built at five per cent the cost of other pumps but with local materials. Locals are then given training on how to maintain it.

Pump Aid director Ian Thorpe said: "It makes a whole village feel part of the process. And the effect fresh water has on a community is amazing.

"It not only allows washing and drinking of course, but restores health, allows crops to be planted, and really does start the whole circle of self sufficiency all over again.

"It is wonderful to think that so many people have been affected by AquAid and their partners."

For the last five years, AquAid has also donated £1.3million to the charity Christian Aid.