A LICKEY vicar and his family are preparing to visit famine stricken Malawi and they need residents to help raise vital funds.

The Rev Philip Swan, of Holy Trinity Church, Rose Hill, will leave his flock for one month in the summer and head for the African country where thousands are dying from starvation.

The trip is thanks to links between the Diocese of Birmingham and the Christian church Malawi.

Lickey Parochial Parish Council (PCC) has launched an appeal to raise cash for food relief which the family hope to deliver to rural parishes, while they are learning more about the country's culture.

Mr Swan is a governor at Lickey Hills Primary School, in Old Birmingham Road, which is raising cash to buy much-needed stationary for Malawi schools.

His daughter Millie, aged seven, was among pupils who supported a money-spinning cake sale, organised by the school's student council last Friday.

Mr Swan said: "We know we can learn so much from the generosity, warmth and faith of people we will meet.

"The Rev May Machemba, who stayed in Lickey last Christmas said, 'To me it seems the church in this country has got the material part, while the church in Malawi has the spiritual part. The church there is part and parcel of their life."

The roving reverend, his wife Charlotte and two children will stay with worshippers who have visited Bromsgrove on previous exchanges.

A national disaster was declared earlier this year in March. Food is available but only at inflated prices.

To make a donation to Lickey PCC's Malawi fund, send a cheque to The Parish Office, 30 Lickey Square, Lickey, Birmingham B45 8HB.