THE local ambassador for a charity helping families in Africa has encouraged people in the area to give a charitable gift to a loved one this Christmas.

Jenny Reynolds from Bridestowe represents the charity 'Send a Cow'. For the last 25 years, the charity has provided livestock, training and ongoing support to poverty-stricken African families.

Send a Cow aims to provide long term solutions to affect substantial and sustainable change for farmers and communities across Africa.

The Send a Cow Christmas catalogue is filled with gift ideas that help those in poverty. In the catalogue, you can elect to buy a charitable gift that will go directly to a family in Africa.

From a small donation for a single chicken or piglet, to larger donations to pay for education into health and hygiene, or to build an entire farmyard, the money will have a lasting effect on the lives of families in Africa.

Jenny said: 'It is a brilliant way to do something really beneficial with your money at Christmas rather than giving someone something they don't really need or want, and it will give you both a warm glow of pleasure.'

You can pick up a paper catalogue in many churches across the area including St James' Chapel in Okehampton. Mole Avon, Country Lanes Garden Centre and Café Revive.

Alternatively, you can see the catalogue online at http://www.sendacowgifts.org">www.sendacowgifts.org or find out more by calling Jenny on 01837 861678.