A NEW scheme to boost Cholsey's aid to the village of Kodumela in South Africa has been devised.

Organisers of the Choko link - it takes its name from the first syllables of both communities - are urging people to become Friends of the group at £10 a time.

The money will keep the Friends up-to-date with what is happening in the Choko link and will also be used to help the people in Kodumela.

Cholsey has sent livestock and materials to the South African village, local people have "adopted' and sponsored children in Kodumela and Cholsey school has close links with the school there.

The congregation at St Mary's had an out-of-season carol concert in the summer for the CD to be on sale this Christmas, with sales going to help the Choko link.

People from Cholsey have visited Kodumela and enhanced links by personal contact with families.

Beadwork and other crafts from South Africa sell well in the village and will be on sale at the open air carol concert today.

Estelle Browne, for Choko, urged people to become Friends. She said: "Choko can only exist with the continuing support of the whole village."