A BIG-HEARTED Droitwich Spa company has hit the headlines in The Gambia for its community work.

Exel, at Berry Hill Industrial Estate, has featured on the front page of the Gambian Daily Observer.

The firm, headed in Droitwich by Robert Powell, has led a major campaign to improve health and education amenities in the impoverished country.

Exel, a distribution company, has collected 28 computers and 30 boxes of medical supplies, school equipment and clothing for needy schools and hospitals.

Workers raised £2,000 and the company has donated a computer.

Skilled Exel staff have also made computers using old spares.

Town pupils have donated books and a Spa printing firm has given paper.

Other goodies have come from Worcestershire firms.

Some supplies have already been taken by Mr Powell, who returned from Africa just in time for Christmas.

During the trip, he was interviewed by Daily Observer reporter Malick Mboob.

Mr Powell plans to take the remainder of essentials in February.

He was touched by the plight of Gambian people while on holiday.

He has worked in partnership with charity Action Aid to improve the social and economic development of the country, winning support from his kind colleagues.

Mr Powell has even provided practical support by helping to paint a clinic in Brufut last year.

Exel general manager Bill Bacon said: "I'm delighted with the support the team has received and therefore hope the good work of Robert Powell will benefit some of the children in Gambia early in the New Year."

Exel welcomes further supplies. Call (01905) 794777 to help.