Malmesbury charity Jole Rider, which collects and ships bikes, books and sports kit to Africa, will be loading their 7,500th bike on Wednesday January 26.

The loading will take place at a hangar in Hullavington Airfield where the bikes have been stored.

Director David Swettenham is appealing for as many people to help out with the loading which will be filmed by BBC television.

He said: “This shipment was previously scheduled for Christmas but had to be postponed because of the effects of the snow.

“As well as the bikes we will be loading books, pens, sports equipment and school resources.”

Many African school children face many miles of walking to get to school so when they arrive they are often exhausted.

Jole Rider provides bikes so they can cut down their travel time and are able to concentrate throughout the day.

The charity is also planning to link up with secondary schools in North Wiltshire with students editing and producing video of the loadings.

Mr Swettenham said: “The post production will be done by pupils in school as a video project.

“They will use pre recorded footage from Africa, the prisons where the bikes are refurbished and interviews together with film from our loadings in Hullavington.

Anyone who wants to help out on the day, which starts at 10am, is asked to call 0870 609 2007.