A charity that has helped to improve the lives of more than a quarter of a million people in Africa is celebrating its fifth anniversary.

African Revival, based in High Street, Hampton Hill, has worked to offer children in the world’s poorest continent greater access to education and give them more opportunities to influence their own futures.

It has built schools and trained teachers in Uganda, Zambia and Sudan as part of its mission to help youngsters lift themselves out of poverty.

Amy Hatton, executive director of African Revival, said: “The impact that we have had on the lives of so many so far is truly amazing. But for us the work is only just beginning.

“We believe that every child, no matter how poor, has the right to a basic education - but in Africa 38m children drop out of school every year due to poverty and lack of resources.

“With the help of our supporters we intend to expand our work in east and southern Africa and give countless children a chance for a basic education and opportunity in life. “Our local community in Richmond plays a vital role in helping us to make that happen, and we are so grateful for their support.”

Twickenham MP Vince Cable took time out of his busy schedule to visit the charity in October as part of its programme of celebratory events throughout the year. He also took part in African Revival’s “beat the goalie” competition with Richmond mayor David Marlow in Bushy Park as part of the Hampton Hill summer festival.

Fundraisers have also taken part in a cycle challenge across Zambia and an annual ball.

Stephen O'Neill, 31, managing director of Decorative Rooms, in High Street, Hampton, raised more than £3,000 for African Revival when he climbed 5,895m to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

The charity said its linking programme has brought UK and African schools together, and its partnership with the Hampton Hill Traders’ Association, its annual Christmas parade and volunteers from the borough have all had “an amazing impact overseas”.

African Revival now hopes to expand to help poor communities in southern Tanzania.

For more information, visit www.africanrevival.org.