Three container loads of furniture and office equipment, discarded by an Edinburgh college, have been delivered to a schools project in West Africa.

More than 20 tonnes of items, ranging from tables to filing cabinets, will be distributed to help pupils in Ghana.

The equipment, no longer needed after a refit of Jewel and Esk College, was shipped in 40ft containers.

The college teamed up with The Sabre Trust charity to ensure it was put to good use.

The furniture came from the college's Milton Road and Eskbank campuses which were completely refitted when a new building was added.

Landfill plan

Steve Hudson, director of campus redevelopment, said: "We are pleased that equipment that would most likely have ended up in landfill is now being used in a highly positive and constructive way.

"Our surplus items will be used to enhance the lives of remote communities ensuring that it is not just people in Edinburgh and Lothians who benefit from the project but also those far further afield

The Sabre Trust is a small charity that provides training and other resources for schools in West Africa.

Development director, Dominic Bond, said: "Better schools and improved furnishings not only make for more conducive learning, but they also improve the perception of the school and the value of education within the community.

"Quite simply, a nicer classroom environment not only helps the pupils and teachers take more pride in their lessons and learning, but can also change the perceptions of parents and community members towards the school and the value they place on it."

The Sabre Trust has previously organised bus runs to Ghana, transporting stationary and books, but sought the advice of Green Standards which specialises in shipping unwanted items to schools overseas.

The shipment left Grangemouth in November 2008 and arrived in Ghana at the end of December. It took six weeks to be cleared at Tema Port before it was transported to a distribution centre in Edina.

Rosemund Abrah, district education director, thanked all those involved in the project.

"We are truly amazed at the amount and quality of furniture which we have been given. We are very proud and excited to have received this donation," she said