Denise Burgess, aged 62, a former foundation studies lecturer, and her husband Howard have been visiting Gambia for more than 20 years.

Now they have now decided to move there and help some of the world's poorest children.

Denise believes she will be able to fund a house in Gambia for around £15,000 - and the rest of the money raised by the sale of the house will be ploughed into the school, to be called Brufut Learning Centre, where she will herself work.

She said: "I first went to Gambia about 23 years ago and I fell in love with the place straight away.

"But it quickly became apparent there was a lot of poverty there and not many children had the privilege of being educated.

"I have travelled to Gambia many times with suitcases full of pens, pencils, rubbers and other equipment for the children over there.

"The foundations of the school have already been built and everything is progressing really well. We hope to move over there in the spring and start teaching very soon."

The school will have an initial intake of 40 students but it is hoped it will grow in size over the years. Students will follow a two-year programme, covering basic skills such as reading, writing, IT and business skills.

Denise, now living in Goole since leaving Doncaster two years ago, added: "I've got to say a huge thank you to all the people and organisations who have donated items to take over there to help the teaching.

"At the moment we're asking for people to pledge between £2-5 a month to help sponsor students."

A fundraising concert is to be held at Woodlands All Saints Church on Saturday April 19. For more information, and to donate towards the fund, email phoenixwagoner@fsmail.net or call 01405 720651.