SIR,

On behalf of Hands Around the World, I would like to thank all those who have so generously given of their time and belongings to help a group of orphans in Benin, West Africa.

A container of bicycles, a tractor and implements, a church organ and some medical supplies are even now wending their way to Africa,

Special thanks are due to Phil Meeks, Trevor Griffiths and Vincent Tweed for help with transport, Lakers school, Bridge Cycles and many individuals for bicycles, Mark Pyman for a church organ and Frank Sutton for loading facilities.

It is encouraging that, even in the current economic climate, people are so willing to help the less fortunate.

Dick Wheelock

(Wonastow)