STUDENTS at Devizes School hoping to travel to Kenya next year to work on community projects in poverty-stricken rural villages have recruited local businesses to help them raise the cash to go.

The 16- and 17-year-olds, their parents and friends, have been busy fundraising for the trip since the spring and are well on their way to raising the £3,500 each they need to finance their travelling and living expenses while helping local people.

Their big event takes place on November 11 when they hold an auction of promises and a cheese-and-wine evening at the school.

Town mayor Sue Evans has already agreed to open the event and the evening will be run by auctioneer Alan Aldridge.

Lots already pledged include the use of a chauffeur-driven 1927 Rolls Royce for a day, a tour of Box mines and a bespoke table made by a local cabinet maker whose clients include at least one member of the aristocracy.

Jeremy Fletcher, whose daughter Abbie is one of the 19 students hoping to go to Kenya next year, said: “We have just been overwhelmed by the help we have received from the business community in town.

“But we are still looking for more lots. So if anyone can help out, we would love to hear from them.

“Because the auction is being held on Remembrance Day, we will be splitting the proceeds with the Poppy Appeal, so this is not all about sending our children to an exotic location for fun.”

In fact, the young people will have little time for rest and relaxation.

The last time a group from Devizes School went to Kenya, last year, they helped to build a nursery and learned how to make flatbreads.

Anyone who wishes to offer a lot to the auction should phone Abbie Fletcher on (01380) 725538.

Tickets for the event are on sale at Devizes Books or by ringing (01380) 721391 or 725538.

Doors open for viewing of the lots at 7pm and the auction begins at 8.30pm.