HIS tag ruby courses have already proved popular with Malvern youngsters, now Gary Tolley hopes to get African children into the game.

Mr Tolley, youth coach at Malvern Rugby Club, travels to Zambia with a team from the Tag Rugby Development Trust in May to pass on his skills to schoolchildren in three townships.

As the trust is a charity that takes rugby to developing countries worldwide, Mr Tolley needs to raise £1,800 for his visit and is appealing to local businesses for sponsorship.

"The idea is to go into schools and do what I've been doing in the Malvern Hills District since 1999," he said, adding it took him only 30 seconds to decide to go to Zambia.

He described tag rugby as a sport for everyone, as it was non-contact and suitable for boys and girls.

Mr Tolley's two-and-half-week visit to Africa will conclude with a tournament for all eight schools involved in the scheme, which it is hoped the country's president will attend.

"It'll be quite a challenge to teach children from nothing to playing a competent game," he said.

Equipment the group takes to Zambia will be left behind so that the youngsters can continue playing.

Anyone wishing to sponsor Mr Tolley should contact him on 07710493468.