SCHOOLS in Weymouth are coming together to raise money for a children’s ward at a hospital in Kenya.

Westfield Arts College is hosting a concert tonight with students from seven schools performing a range of musical items. The Weymouth Ukuleleans will also perform.

Money raised from the concert will go towards connecting an electricity supply and installing fittings in a new children’s ward at Baragu Hospital near Chogoria, Kenya.

The hospital was started in 1999 by students from the Dorset Expeditionary Society.

It has developed each year since with fundraising from schools, expedition teams and volunteer groups organised by Martyn and Josie Hastings.

Other community projects have included building school classrooms, sponsoring orphaned and needy children and building new homes for families in the local area.

Baragu Hospital now provides a wide range of services including a maternity unit, a TB and HIV clinic, and a dental surgery.

Josie said: “We just want as many people to come as possible really just so we can get this children’s ward finished.

“It’s lovely that the children here get involved. I think the children are really interested here and they do want to help.

“We need everybody in the community to support the children: the children here and the children out there.”

The completion of the new Chesil Children’s Ward will provide a much needed local facility.

Karen Bidwell, deputy headteacher at Westfield Arts College, said: “We would encourage anyone to come along to support a fantastic cause.

“The impact that it has on the local community is phenomenal. It literally is life saving.

“It should be quite a variety show. It should be a great evening.

“There aren’t many opportunities in Weymouth to bring schools together. It’s quite a nice opportu nity to see one another perform.”

Schools taking part include Budmouth College, Conifers Primary School, St Andrew's Primary School, Wyke Regis Primary Federation, Wyvern Academy, Westfield Arts College and the Thomas Hardye School.

The majority of schools taking part are involved with the Chesil Education Partnership.

These schools have links with schools in the Chogoria and Murugi zone of Kenya.

Reciprocal visits with Weymouth and Kenyan teachers are funded by the British Council Connecting Classrooms projects.

The evening’s entertainment will start at 6.30pm and entry is free. Donations will be collected on the door.