THE vicar of a Silsden church hopes to be among 10 people from the town due to head out to west Africa to help build a school.

Reverend David Griffiths, of St James Church, wants to to go Sierra Leone with the charity Mission Direct next Easter.

Rev Griffiths said: "We're nervous about going but want to serve and help where we can.

"We're open to being changed and educated, at the very least to be reminded about how blessed we are to live in a rich country with a great education and health system. But I pray it will be more than that.

"God is always speaking to us, but when we are out of our comfort zone our praying and hearing mysteriously and suddenly improve."

During their time in Sierra Leone the Silsden team will be spending the mornings working with local builders to make and lay bricks and will also be painting and decorating.

In the afternoons the team will organise activities for children in orphanages, help out elderly people and run play activities for disabled children.

There will be an information evening at 7.30pm on Monday October 31 at The Kings Arms Public House, in Silsden, for anyone interested in joining the group or wanting to help its members in other ways. Everyone is welcome to attend.

People should contact steve.loryman@missiondirect.org or call Rev Griffiths on 01535 652204 for further information.

They can also visit mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/davidgriffiths2 to donate.