FRIENDSHIP links are being forged between schools in Kent and Africa.

The Charles Dickens School in Broadstairs, is offering technological support to the Pakalinding Upper Basic School, in Mansakonko in the Gambia.

It has around 1,000 students aged between 11 and 14 taught by just 26 teachers, which means lessons are staggered for the age groups between morning and afternoon sessions.

Charles Dickens headteacher Andrew Olsson has written to his opposite number at the school Alimamey Colley offering information, support and advice on the development of technology in education.

He said: "We are happy to help support another school - they may not be as advanced in certain areas as we are but I am sure they have good practice that we can learn from. It will be very much a two-way link.

"In time I hope we can share video and email links, and our students can develop proper lines of communications, whether electronically or through writing to the youngsters.

"Pakalinding Upper Basic School does have computers but I understand they have some problem with an intermittent power supply, which we hope will be fixed soon to enable us to make real-time contact."

The link began when Tavistock College students at Charles Dickens raised more than £2,000 as part of their charity work for the Friends of Si Kunda, set up by Sue Jones who works in the Gambia and who takes containers of vital resources to areas of need in the country. The Tavistock money will be used to help fund a community skills centre at the school.

The fundraising efforts of the students have been recognised with an International Schools Award from the Department for Children, Families and Schools.

Mr Olsson said: "Making contact and establishing a link is the important first step. Our students have responded magnificently to the needs of communities the other side of the world.

"As the ties are strengthened I would like a party of staff and students to visit the Gambia. It is so important for young people to go beyond their geographical boundaries."