More than 400 pencil cases will be flying halfway across the world today to help pupils in Africa with their education thanks to a Stevenage sports centre manager.

Jay Drackford, who works at Marriotts Sports Centre, will travel to The Gambia with the consignment after starting the charity appeal earlier this year.

Jay, 34, said: “So many people have dropped them off, it has been brilliant.

“We have finished packing them up now and they are just waiting to go.”

The cases have been donated from schools across the town and local businesses. Each case, containing eight pieces of stationery and a picture of the donor inside, will go to the pupils at the Anne Marie Javouhey Academy.

Jay added: “It is just so great to know they will be going to help people who really need them.”