A LOCAL charity group is driving across Europe — not as a fundraising stunt, but to deliver a minibus to a Bulgarian orphanage.

The House of Rachel charity has successfully raised more than £3,000 to buy a minibus then drive it 2,000 miles across Europe to the orphanage, where it will serve a variety of purposes, including transporting orphans to hospital. The funds have been raised largely due to support from local businesses.

Okehampton shopkeeper Andrew Morgan, owner of OK Leisure, formed the charity to help orphaned young people in Bulgaria. The country makes little provision for young orphans when they reach the age of 18, and many inevitably end up in a life of crime and prostitution.