TIMBUKTU may seem like the other side of the world from Herefordshire to many residents- but for one border community their shared love of literature has brought them together.

Despite living 3,744 miles from the historical city in Mali residents from Hay-on-Wye are helping those less fortunate than themselves.

The twinning between the towns started in 2007 due to both of their associations with books.

This has led to visitors from both countries making the trip to their counterparts to experience the others culture- a group from Hay made the long trip in 2009.

Last week Mahamane Bilal, teacher, and Elmehdi Ag Wakina, director at local partner charity AMSS, visited Hay-on-Wye.

"Hay is a town of books for obvious reasons but Timbuktu also has manuscripts with huge historical importance," said Gill Lloyd, Trustee of hay2Timbuktu.

"There are seldom news items in the UK about Timbuktu as Mali is a country that Britain didn’t try to colonise but as we have a local link and it is a fascinating country.

"However, it's very difficult to go there now as it's not secure. It was attacked by Jihadists in 2011/12 and despite French peace keepers reclaiming it the area is not secure.

"Between 20 and 30 years ago it had a massive tourism trade as they make amazing jewellery and fabrics but they can't operate anymore."

Since the twinning began members of the Hay2Timbuktu group have also donated money and shared skills to help with those in the Mali city.

Mrs Lloyd added: "Staff at Hay Medical Centre work with several practices over there to help with their neonatal care.

"We have done a lot of fundraising work to help send them computers and equipment. A couple of years ago we also sent them a motorbike ambulance.

"An education project is also in place between three schools in Timbuktu and Hay Primary School and Gwernyfed High School where pupils at each school communicate between each other.

"The funds we raised have also helped girls to get education as in Timbuktu they don't necessarily get to got to school.

"We provide funds to make sure they do as over there boys are given priority while girls are left at home to support their family.

"Families who are very poor marry off their daughters so they are no longer responsible for them where as if they are in education this doesn't happen."