A HOLIDAY to South Africa spurred a mum from Wyke Regis to set up her own charity.

Nicky Maynard, 37, visited a Cape Town school made of two steel cargo containers where 170 children, mostly Aids victims, learn without tables, chairs or books.

Seven months after setting up the charity, Township, Mrs Maynard has received photos of the children receiving Christmas gifts direct from Dorset.

She said: "I can't describe how it feels to see the charity is actually working.

"We made up 170 Christmas presents of pens, felt tips and colouring books and we sent a package for the school full of supplies.

"They are only little things but these children have absolutely nothing and this means everything to them."

Wyke Regis Infant School has formed links with the Cape Town school and donated the stationery gifts.

They have also been drawing pictures for their South African peers.

Mrs Maynard, of Marlborough Road, said: "The majority of the children have Aids - or if they don't their parents do. The school has nothing at all. It's made of cargo containers so it can be locked at night, but in winter it's freezing cold and in summer it's boiling hot."

Thanks to a celebrity helping hand the small Dorset charity is set to grow bigger and better over the coming year.

Mrs Maynard wrote to England and Bath rugby player Matt Stevens asking for an autograph to raffle.

She said: "He rang me and said he was really interested in the charity.

Grant "He works closely with the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and they are now looking into the possibility of getting a monthly grant for the school.

"If they can do that the seven women who work there could start getting paid."

In the meantime Mrs Maynard, who is running the charity with her friends, plans to send supplies throughout the year to keep Dalukhanyo School stocked up.

For more information about Township or to make a donation contact Mrs Maynard on 01305 750670.