YOUNGSTERS from Helensburgh Parish Church have put their creative talents to good use, helping with the education of children in The Gambia.

The Young Church group designed and sold Christmas cards in aid of Dumbarton London Corner Community Nursery School – and their creativity saw £620 raised towards providing educational resources.

This is the second year that the young people have designed cards for the school, which was set up 16 years ago and offers nursery education to 90 pupils, along with a meal and medical support.

The school is funded by a small local charity, the Dumbarton Gambia Education Association, whose chairman is Rev Tina Kemp, who is the associate minister at Helensburgh Parish Church and who recently accepted a cheque from the Young Church during morning worship.

She said: “Once again our Young Church has done a fantastic job. A big thank you to all of the young people and to everyone who bought cards and helped to raise such a fantastic amount.”

Charity representatives recently returned from the school where they were able to see some of the resources the donations have provided.

The Gambian children sent a big thank you to the Helensburgh youngsters for their support.

Tina added: “The congregation in Helensburgh, and our linked charge at Rhu and Shandon, have been so generous. Their efforts have ensured that the school will continue to thrive in the years ahead.”