Former homeless people have been loading goods to help vulnerable people in Africa.

Michael Walters, Lyn Callander and Elliot Bannister from Emmaus Dover joined other volunteers from across Kent to fill the latest container of items for schools in Zambia.

They included clothes, sewing machines, lockers and furniture.

This was for Operation Sunshine, a charity that provides basic provisions to young people in Zambia and Lesotho.

Its volunteers collect items, raise funds and coordinate the transport of between four and six containers of donated goods every year.

Iain Callander from Operation Sunshine said: “We have been very pleased to welcome help from Emmaus during the past year, their assistance has been very welcome on several occasions.

“During August they helped me to remove two or three classrooms full of furniture which we would have had to refuse without their assistance.”

Operation Sunshine is based in Capel-le-Ferne, and has been helping communities in Africa for more than 30 years. It supports projects in education and health.

Dawn Thomasson , health and wellbeing adviser at Emmaus Dover, said: “This was the first time that I had been to see a loading for Operation Sunshine. I was amazed not only to hear about the longevity of the project but also of the total commitment made by so many to ensure that this occurs four or more times each year.”

Emmaus Dover supports formerly homeless people by offering a home, work in a social enterprise and an opportunity to get back on their feet.

To support Operation Sunshine visit the website operationsunshine.co.uk