A former Norwich academy pupil has jetted off to Ghana laden with books donated by his old school.

Aidan Thorpe, 22, from Hinshall Way, Costessey, started a volunteer teaching placement last month, taking maths textbooks courtesy of Ormiston Victory Academy, to Nazareth School, Takoradi.

The 22-year-old will start a job in finance at Aviva in September, and after graduating with a degree in maths from Sheffield University last year he decided he wanted to do something for a worthy cause before entering the world of work.

After contacting his old school, in Middleton Crescent, Costessey, he found his luggage allowance would be stretched somewhat.

Mr Thorpe said: 'Ormiston have shown me so much support to help with my goal.

'I hope to really make a difference to someone's life, by helping them achieve an education that they might not have otherwise had.'

Mr Thorpe is teaching maths to the students of Nazareth School armed with more than 450 textbooks from his old school, which is also holding a non-uniform day to raise funds for the shipment of the books.

The academy are also looking to set up a penpal link with the Ghanaian school.

Mr Thorpe added: 'I am also hoping to introduce Ghana to the sport of Ultimate Frisbee, a sport which I play a lot of in the UK. I am also experiencing a new culture, gaining new skills and making new friends.

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