VILLAGERS in Zimbabwe now have a source of clean and fresh drinking water thanks to the fundraising efforts of staff at a Wirral pharmacy.

Staff from Medicx Pharmacy at The Warrens Medical Centre in Thingwall have donated money to its water cooler supplier, AquAid, for 18 months and raised enough money for a second 'Elephant Pump'.

Installed by The Africa Trust charity, it means villagers in Manicaland, Zimbabwe, will now be able to enjoy clean and fresh drinking water from a pump that carries the message 'A gift from your friends at Medicx Pharmacy.'

Gina Evans, pharmacy manager, said: "It's wonderful to think that a community in Zimbabwe has its own fresh drinking water thanks to the donations we have made by buying water for our patients to drink.

"The life saving pumps that AquAid provide are vital to communities such as this one in Manicaland and we are delighted that Medicx Pharmacy is able to support such a worthwhile project in Africa."

Fern Shaw, fromn AquAid Africa, said: "It is extremely important that we receive help from companies such as Medicx Pharmacy.

"It is only through the ongoing support of businesses that we are able to continue to carry out this vital work.

"It makes a huge difference to people’s lives in these communities, who would otherwise have to walk several miles to find water and even then, may find it contaminated."