A YOUNG family will bid farewell to Herefordshire and the Welsh borders next month when they embark on the trip of a lifetime to undertake charity work in Africa.

Julie Sorenson, who works for Hereford arts charity the Music Pool, and her husband Tom are taking 18-month-old daughter Mia on a two-year placement to improve community inclusion in Cameroon.

The Presteigne residents will help locals become more aware of their government and the democratic process in a scheme arranged by Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) in connection with two African charities, CANADEL and Citoynenne Dynamique.

“The project is about giving people a voice and getting them involved in decision making and trying to make the country work for them,” Julie said.

But before they go the couple are planning a fundraising gig at Presteigne’s Assembly Rooms this Friday (January 25) where they can say goodbye to friends and neighbours in the town, and make money for VSO at the same time.

Julie said: ““VSO is a fantastic organisation and they have been amazingly supportiv, so we just felt we wanted to give something back.”

Eclectic band Africa to Appalachia will perform with musicians Jayme Stone and Mansa Sissoko from 8pm onwards.

Tickets are available from The Rowan Tree in Presteigne or by calling 01544 260292.