WORK is under way to build a new secondary school in a remote part of Africa – thanks to a Dorchester couple.

Claire Budd, who with husband Richard is heading a fundraising campaign to build a school in the Sudan, said she was delighted that work has begun.

She said: “Workers have started digging out the footings – it’s really good news. We’re just about to reach the original target we set of £40,000 – but we’ve increased that now so we’re still fundraising.”

The money already gathered in has enabled the project to get off to an early start. Workers on site have started clearing the site and working on the foundations.

Mrs Budd said: “If they can get all the materials on the site before the rainy season they will be able to keep working – we hadn’t expected that before. The bricks are being made and it’s possible that the school will be open in October – that would be fantastic.”

They are hoping to boost the fund with three events coming up in Dorchester, starting with a talk and slideshow by acclaimed BBC presenter and wildlife expert Chris Packham on Thursday, April 23. The event is at the Corn Exchange at 7.30pm.

Top trio the Yetties will be packing the Corn Exchange on May 1 in a concert that will celebrate May Day and raise money for the appeal.

And mezzo soprano Sophie Grech will be joined by US trumpeter John Holt, pianist Marc Corbett-Weaver and performers from the Thomas Hardye School and Sunninghill Preparatory School for a concert at St Mary’s Church on May 14. Tickets for all three events are still available.

Mr and Mrs Budd, pictured right with their daughter Poppy, are hoping for a full house at each event to help meet their new target of £73,000 to build Grace Secondary School and dormitories in the Nuba Mountains area of the Sudan.

The school will replace one that closed after falling into disrepair soon after photographer Mr Budd visited the area on a diocesan visit with the Bishop of Sherborne.

For more information about the project and to buy tickets for the forthcoming events call Mrs Budd on 07764 335892 and check out the website at www. gracesecondaryschool.com website.

Mrs Budd said: “People have been so generous .”