A FORMER Wirral Globe photographer is preparing to lend a hand to poverty-stricken youngsters in Kenya next year.

David Gennard, from Oxton, will join his colleagues Steve Hampson and Ruth Dodman from Great Places housing association to work with children living in slums.

The scheme, which is being backed by Coronation Street’s Sue Cleaver, will see the volunteers supporting The Walk Centre in Nakuru next March, helping out with education and food.

The centre is a lifeline for neighbouring children who would otherwise be scavenging in a dump they live beside.

Sue, who plays Eileen Grimshaw in the soap and visited the country earlier this year, said: “I think it’s very easy to say that the Africa problem’s too big, the money doesn’t get through to the right people.

“But having had experience of working in Kenya, it isn’t all doom and gloom. There are lots of projects that are making a difference, this being one of them. I wish the three of them good luck!”

And David, 31, said the group are looking forward to getting a hands-on experience and meeting the families face-to-face.

He said: “What’s unique about this project is that we can raise a lot of money and then rather than send it off to a faceless organisation, we go out to Kenya and help the children and their parents directly.

“As well as bringing valuable clothing and school equipment we will also be helping out in the school and teaching. Having an education offers the children a chance to escape the poverty they find themselves in.”

Keep up-to-date with the project by following the volunteers on Twitter: @vol4kenya and via www.facebook.com/VolunteersForKenya.

For more details about donating to the project, e-mail david.gennard@greatplaces.org.uk