A BID to save lives in a remote part of Africa received a lift in Cheltenham.

Members of the Personal Overseas Development (PoD) team based in the town, which sends volunteers to charitable projects across the world, have offered support to Village Africa.

The British-registered charity is trying to raise £40,000 to buy a new ambulance to be used in Tanzania. It will take sick and injured people in Yamba and Milingano on the three-hour drive to hospital in Tanga, instead of having to be carried on a stretcher.

Mike Beecham, director of the St George's Place-based PoD, met volunteers raising money for the Village Africa appeal. They stopped off in Cheltenham in a 20-year-old ambulance that is on a 1,000-mile tour around the UK.

Mike said: "We were very pleased to support Village Africa's fundraiser. We know the ambulance will make a difference."