GENEROUS youngsters from a Bolton school have collected stacks of toys to send to abandoned HIV children in South Africa.

Campaigning teachers at Rivington and Blackrod High School launched a toy appeal to send presents to children dying of Aids in an Atterwichville hospital.

They have been inundated with so many toys from children and teachers from the Horwich school that they now need tea chests or storage boxes to send them in.

As reported in the BEN, the Bolton staff visited South Africa on an exchange trip last month.

They were so shocked at how HIV children were left by their parents that they decided to do something to help.

As well as toys, the teachers are hoping for cash donations to cover the cost of sending the presents.

They are also hoping a kind-hearted Bolton business will step forward and help them transport the equipment in time for Christmas Day.

Michelle Harrison, a French and German teacher at the school, said: "The hospital for children dying with Aids was very clean, but very grim and foreboding.

"We want to bring cheer to them this Christmas. We've already received lots of toys but could do with many more. We really need help getting the toys there as well."

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Michelle at the school on 01204 692511, ext 201.