A WEST Devon-based charity that sends vital supplies to African countries is marking a milestone next week.

Operation Sunshine, which has been in existence for ten years, recently sent its 50th ship's container. The 40ft container left Tavistock on June 16 bound for Zimbabwe.

To mark the event, a celebration cream tea is being held by Operation Sunshine on Saturday July 24 from 2.30pm to 5pm at the home of Mr and Mrs John Dawe at Burns Hall, Chillaton. 

Hurdwick Farm, near Lamerton,  is the focus of Operation Sunshine's work in the South West.  

Every day, cars and vans pull up with quantities of clothing, educational equipment, agricultural tools and medical supplies. Inside the sheds, volunteers sort and pack goods into sacks which are then labelled awaiting dispatch. 

Only items of good quality are sent to Africa — if people are to receive only one or two items of clothing per year, it is important these are strong and of good quality.

During the last ten years, 50 ships' containers, mainly  40-footers,  have left Hurdwick Farm for rural destinations in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Malawi.

Each container, costing an average of £7,500 to send, goes to a known personal contact, so ensuring that the goods reach those for whom they are intended. 

Lives have been changed for the better and a big focus on educational goods is intended to improve lives in the future as well.  Currently, the contact in Zimbabwe is appealing for more children's and men's clothing.

Felicity Derry-Thomas has been the regional organiser for Operation Sunshine for the last ten years but her involvement goes back some 20 years before that. She retired as organiser in June and the baton has passed to Ann Tregarthen, who has been her deputy for more than five years.

Volunteers, supporters and well wishers are invited to Burns Hall for the celebration tea.  Tickets are £4. Contact 01822 614343 or 01822 853572.