People living in a tiny, fishing village in Ghana call her the English Rose.

Every time Linda Awotwi, 50, travels from her home in Margate to Kokrobite on the Gold Coast of West Africa, she is greeted like royalty.

Laden with as many gifts as she can carry - including clothes, pen, pencils, and paper - she is mobbed by the villagers she calls "my people."

She grew to know the area and people after being married to a West African, and has maintained her links with the impoverished community there.

"They are so friendly, and have very little compared to even the poorest people in our country," she said. "They have no TVs, no radios, fridges or cookers, in fact very few possessions.

"Many of them exist of a diet largely of banku, which is fermented corn dough cooked in hot water."

Linda's dream is to form a group of volunteers in Thanet who can help her in her mercy missions by raising funds, collecting goods or even passing on some of their skills to the villagers.

"It would also be wonderful to find someone with some time on their hands, maybe retired, who would be willing to accompany me there and teach the people some agricultural, or other useful, skills.

"They are so grateful for everything I do for them, but I would love to be able to do more. If anyone feels they would like to get involved and help, they can call me on 01843 225898."