LOCAL charity Empower is looking for volunteers to help raise funds for a nursery school in the Gambia.

The Agape Nursery School has nearly been completed but the project needs another £1,600 before it can open to children.

Project members plan to cycle the distance around the Gambia and on to Swindon – some 4,222 miles – on exercise bikes in Kiss Gym from January 2 to January 5, and is looking for people to help or sponsor them.

Jo Heaven, founder and chairman of Empower, will be on hand all week to rattle the bucket and pedal the miles for the school. She said: “We have nearly finished the nursery now and it will officially open in April.

“We’ve been fundraising since February trying to raise £8,400, which doesn’t sound a lot but out there, where the average wage is £30, it makes a huge difference.”

Kiss Gym has offered to let the charity use two of their exercise bikes between 8am to 8pm on these dates. Participants must be over 18.

To find out how to get involved or to find out more about Empower, visit www.facebook .com/EmpowertheGambia or email joheaven empower@aol.co.uk.