Lancashire's been filled with African sunshine for the past seventeen days as the Pearl of Africa Children's Choir once again visited - and delighted audiences with their energetic displays of drumming, singing and dance.

The choir - 13 young people aged 11 upwards, together with Molly, founder of the Molly and Paul Childcare Foundation in Uganda, and staff member Paul - went to primary schools, high schools, colleges and churches as well as nursing homes in the area.

They have travelled as far as Accrington to the east,Liverpool, Southport, Wigan, Formby, Parbold and Burscough as well as our local Ormskirk area (pictures taken at The Civic - where they appeared with Formby High's brilliant Mundo Afrika, with folk enjoying a delicious buffet provided by Catered To Perfection of Maghull - and Aughton Christ Church).

The talented Ugandan youngsters spent their days delivering workshops to excited students on African drumming, singing and dancing and have also provided and enjoyed Q and A sessions, along with performing in assemblies and church services.

Venues were packed as supporters enjoyed a little taste of Africa and many went home loaded with crafts.

Underlying the fantastic work that the choir do is the vital need to fundraise for the 2000 children in the care of the Molly and Paul Childcare foundation. All the money raised is used to provide education, homes and health care for these children back in Uganda.

The choir was supported by a team of volunteers from the Pearl of Africa Childcare charity, led by Area Coordinator, Rufford's Liz Tonge, and husband Dave, both of whom are trustees for the charity. Their role was to organise the venues and make sure they arrived at the right place at the right time!

Also playing a vital role in making the choir's visit so successful are the families who open their doors to provide homes and meals for our Ugandan visitors.

"Once again it has been a huge privilege to spend time with these young people," Liz told QLocal this afternoon.

"Their energy, desire to give their best, their passion for their cause, not to mention their amazing talent has filled everyone who saw them with joy.

"I'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported them, to the hosts and to the volunteers who worked so hard." she concluded.

It is hoped that the choir will have raised significant funds to keep the charity running for the immediate future - and at present the cheques are still arriving.

The choir have now arrived in Cornwall for the final leg of their UK tour before flying home to Uganda in just under two weeks time.