KEIGHLEY school office staff were bemused to be presented with an order for processing that included: one donkey, two pigeons, three vegetable gardens, two goats and a chicken breeding unit!

This was because Holy Family Catholic School's fairtrade group was taking part in an international charity scheme called CAFOD World Gifts.

The group's members spent last month (December) collecting small change in order to donate £600 to the scheme.

This project features a catalogue of “gifts” that can be bought for use in the developing world. Such presents include, for example, a training course for a farmer or a bag full of drought-resistant seed.

Cath Dearden, Holy Family school's buyer, said: “I'm quite used to requests to source bizarre items, but being asked to order a raft of animals, small businesses, and a mother and baby kit is a new one!"

James Moreland, leader of the fairtrade group, said: “I was amazed at the response. I fully expected a few pounds from each tutor group for a beehive or a couple of chickens, but to be able to send £600 for a package that includes a health kit, new business support and whole vegetable gardens is terrific. And it all comes from loose change that no-one really missed.”

“CAFOD World Gifts is a simple way of helping us understand how a little can go a long way in the developing world."