CHILDREN from a Tanzanian orphanage are celebrating a 25-year partnership with an East Lancashire charity by performing at local schools.

Youngsters from The Bethany Project, have travelled to the county from the Magu district of the African country, to thank supporters of the charity.

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The Bethany Project was launched in October 1991 when a group of 12 Christians from Oswaldtwistle travelled to Tanzania to build a children home for those in need.

Now 16 children involved in the project have formed a choir who, after arriving in England last Thursday, will be visiting schools, churches, colleges and other organisations to perform.

Project co-ordinator Graham Pountain, 67, who has opened his home to the youngsters, said: “We’ve got a very busy schedule.

“They are here to sing and tell their stories, and to raise awareness of what life is like for children in Tanzania.

“It’s been very rewarding to see the children grow up, and the impact that our work has had on their lives.”

The choir had its first performance at St Anne’s Edgeside CE Primary School in Waterfoot on Monday.

Headteacher Charlotte Hartley said: “The teachers and children, all from Tanzania, shared their life experiences with us.

“We learned about their lives as orphans, to being taught English and being given an education and a family at Bethany. The visit was humbling and taught us to be more grateful.”

Tina Wilkinson, head at St Andrew’s Primary school in Oswaldtwistle, which the charity visited yesterday, said: “The children have been coming here for more than 10 years. It gives the teachers the chance to see them all grow.”

“The children were very quiet when they were performing, which was unusual for them, but it really brought it home how much they have in comparison, and it inspired them to want to raise money for them.”

Next week the choir will be visiting schools in Bacup, Great Harwood and Baxenden as they look to beat the 108 schools they performed at during their last trip.