CHILDREN at Ponthir Church in Wales school are getting their knitting needles clicking to help build a school in Africa.

For the last three weeks, the school has been running a weekly knitting class for 21 keen youngsters in years five and six.

The children are knitting teddy bears which they are selling to raise funds for a new school in Burundi.

The group is run by keen knitters from the local area, but parents and grandparents also drop in to lend a helping hand.

The Burundi bears, which cost £1 each, are selling quickly and 94 have already found homes.

Every pound the bears raise, buys four bricks for the new school in Africa.

Acting headteacher at Ponthir Church in Wales School, Ceris Spooner said: "The children are really excited about the bears. The project not only teaches them a new craft but also makes them aware of what is going on around the world.

"We've now raised enough for 376 bricks so we are suddenly talking about a wall being built."

She added: "Learning how to knit is quite hard work but they are persevering with it.

The support from the local community has been fantastic too."

  • The bears will be on sale at the school's Christmas fare at 2pm on Sunday 25 November. You can also buy a bear by calling the school on 01633 421651.