A Birmingham (UK) woman is on a mercy mission to help children in a west African nursery.

Ama Asantoa was moved by the plight of youngsters in Ghana and is trying to raise ?1,300 to send a container of essential supplies.

Through her contacts at her church, the New Testament of God, in Highgate, Ama sent out a plea for help and received responses from 100 congregations across the country.

In October a group of 20 will travel to Ghana to spend two weeks refurbishing and restocking the nursery.

Ama, aged 40, said: "I went to Ghana for my son's wedding and was taken to this nursery.

"I was so distressed with what I saw that I felt I had to do something. I was able to put together a group of volunteers to join me."

The flights are being provided by Ghana Airways and through her job for a freight company Ama obtained a discount on the container hire.

Anyone who can help Ama in her bid to raise ?1,300 for the trip can either e-mail asantoa@supanet.com or call 07779 215201.