A Wymondham church is helping people across the world build a brighter future with tools donated by Norfolk residents.

Norwich Evening News: Minister Paul Smith of the Wymondham Baptist Church with some children and a few of the tools that are being collected for the Tools With a Mission event. From left, Henry Burke, seven (front); Adele Kenny, nine; Daisy Burke, 10; and Olivia Smith, five. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYMinister Paul Smith of the Wymondham Baptist Church with some children and a few of the tools that are being collected for the Tools With a Mission event. From left, Henry Burke, seven (front); Adele Kenny, nine; Daisy Burke, 10; and Olivia Smith, five. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

The town's Baptist church is collecting tools for gardening, carpentry, mechanics and sewing to donate to Ipswich-based charity Tools With a Mission (TWAM).

Minister Paul Smith said he was delighted at the interest they had already had in the appeal, which the church takes part in every year.

He said: 'Harvest is traditionally about gathering in the results of our labours, to see our families through the winter.

'By working with TWAM we give thanks for the plenty we enjoy in this country, and take up the opportunity to give a trade and a living to a family far away.

'We know that because we gather these donations from the people of Wymondham, others we'll never meet are already enjoying the long-term harvest of better physical and mental health, better education, and our investment in the futures of their communities.'

The charity sends the tools to disadvantaged communities in countries across Africa, as well as in Bangladesh, Kosovo, Romania and the UK.

The idea is to give people an opportunity to use the tools to become self-sufficient and earn a living of their own.

The church accepts most types of tools which can be refurbished to a high standard, and they are also eager to collect stationery for schoolchildren.

Tools for carpentry, motor mechanics, building, electrical, plumbing and engineering are welcomed, and electric power tools, sewing machines, laptops, flat-screen computers, sewing and craft items, garden tools, educational text books, adult mountain bikes, manual typewriters, motor lawnmowers, strimmers and chainsaws are also accepted.

They will not be able to accept electric hedge cutters, printers, lawnmowers or gas cylinders.

This is the sixth collection the church has held for TWAM since 2010.

The church estimates that over that time they have already collected nearly 10 tonnes of tools.

Donations can be dropped into the Baptist church in Queen Street, Wymondham, on Saturday, October 21 between 10am and 4pm. Visit www.twam.co.uk for more information about the charity and its work.