THE smile says 'Thanks a million'. Six-year-old Linda beams at the camera having just taken her first faltering steps — and all because of the kindness of the people of Tavistock.

Linda was born handicapped — unable to talk and unable to walk. Her mother, Violette, was badly beaten by soldiers while pregnant during the Rwandan genocide in 1994.

It was a desire by Derek Parry to do something special last Christmas that set the ball in motion.

Both the town's Somerfield and Safeway stores gave him permission to collect outside their premises during the festive season. The Times offered support with a front page story — and, with the town's goodwill behind him, Derek raised more than £550 to pay for vital treatment.

A member of Kings, Derek met Linda's parents, Sidiki and Violette, when they visited the town as guests of Tavistock Community Church.

A reformed alcoholic, Derek was determined to make a difference for Linda. Her father, Sidiki, runs the Family of God Church in Rwanda and has enjoyed much support from the Tavistock area.

'I had been given a second chance and this was my chance to help someone — so I was determined not to waste it,' said Derek.

He said he saw children running into Kings and running up to their parents getting hugs. But Linda could hardly talk or walk.

He said for the sake of a few hundred pounds he knew help could be obtained — and the quality of her life greatly enriched.

Liz Hardinge, a physiotherapist who comes from Devon and now works in Rwanda, agreed to work with Linda and give her a physiotherapy course.

'Now Linda has had one three-week stay at the medical rehabilitation centre. She has come back and can now walk ten steps at a time unaided,' said Derek.

'I watched it on video and I was choked. It is wonderful for someone to have a chance to enjoy a better quality life for just a few pounds.

'I have this picture in my mind where I am in a room and Linda coming across and giving me a big hug. I know that will happen.'

Derek hopes it may be possible to raise more money to bring Linda and her parents to Tavistock in October. During the proposed visit Sidiki will give talks — with the aid of an interpreter — about his work in rebuilding the churches in Rwanda.

Pastor Colin Bond, who runs Kings, said Sidiki and Violette have much affection for Tavistock and the relationship that has developed between the town and the people of Rwanda.

In three years Sidiki has build up the Family of God from 40 people in one church to 60 churches in three countries.

'Tavistock is the only place in the West that has taken them under its wing. They have been preaching across Africa that what Africa needs is the "Tavistock vision",' said Colin.

Derek is keen to join the next visit from Kings to Rwanda. He would like to be able to help lots of people like Linda.

'To help one hundred people you have to start with one. Having met Sidiki and Violette I feel a deep warmth for both of them. I'd like to help thousands of people out there but you have to start somewhere.

'And I couldn't think of a better way to start than with little Linda.'