A COMMUNITY is reaching out to create a well for impoverished families in Kenya.

The Lighthouse Church of Pastoral Care, based at The Derbyshire Hill Community Centre, and the New Life Church, in Haydock, are working with mission organisation Operation Hope.

Over the last couple of years they have dedicated themselves to helping an impoverished village in the Kisii area of Kenya.

It started three years ago when Lighthouse pastor Bob Mathie took a trip to the African country along with Steve Pilkington, of the Haydock church.

Bob, 65 said: "There was no lighting and they showed us the kitchen which was just a fire with a brick on it.

"We saw a man who had take in 13 children off the streets and start his own orphanage.

"And there were people walking a mile for dirty water. Someone told them it was fresh water and it was actually full of cholera."

Back in St Helens money was raised through sponsored walks and charity gardening to buy villagers a cow and some chickens. But the big goal is to provide clean water.

Bob added: "We made them bio filters so there is a form of water but the important thing is a new borehole.

“Over there they had dug a well and we’d bought them pumping equipment but the well wasn’t deep enough so we’ve raised another £2,500. They’re going to drill this and we're hoping it will be finished by the end of the month.

“Communities in Parr and Haydock are reaching out worldwide.

"This isn’t the most affluent area but there’s a real heart here to help others. It’s amazing what this corner of St Helens is doing,” added Bob.

For more information visit operationhope.co.uk