STAFF and students at a school in Sanyang, in the Gambia, are celebrating the opening of a new toilet block thanks to donations from Whitchurch and Ellesmere Rotary Club.

The project was overseen by Goal for the Gambia and the funding from both rotary clubs was matched by the Roary Foundation.

A spokesman for Goal for the Gambia thanked both rotary clubs for their funding.

"A day to celebrate in Sanyang yesterday, the opening of the brand new toilet block for students and staff," they said. "Generously funded by Whitchurch and Ellesmere Rotary Clubs, match funded by The Rotary Foundation.

"An amazing achievement only made possible by Kate and John Holland who referred and recommended us to Rotary.

"This was a big day to for the school and community and more than 300 people attended.

"There were prayers, songs from the students, speeches and as a surprise for the school the fabulous Sanyang Scout band attended much to everyone's delight.

"The Alkalo (village chief), Imam, elders from the community, village development committee, school management committee, staff, students, parents and local people were all there.

"The speakers gave thanks and prayers to everyone involved including the contractors, school management committee, staff, volunteers who made all the blocks to save money, the charity and to Janko who coordinated everything for us.

"The headteacher smiled all day and said it was a very proud moment for the school and he hoped we would have a long, peaceful peaceful relationship with them.

"He also said that the school and the management committee were ready to work with us and to do whatever they could to make any work we do there in the future easier.

"Lots we would love to do there but for now they are very happy.

"Thank you to everyone."