A GROUP of Baptists from Chepstow are holding a barn dance and other events to raise funds for a mission to help build two schools and support an orphanage in Zambia.

Rhian Maw of Chepstow Baptist Church says: "This is something completely new for us. It's the first time we have done anything like this.

"The aim is to raise around £9,000 before August when we'll be going to Lusaka to help build two schools. We've already raised £4,500 so we're half way there."

On the trip, which is being coordinated with the church organisation Mission Direct, will be two students – Jake Martin, 16, from Chepstow Comprehensive and Dan Falber, 15, who attends Wyedean as well as Rhian, husband Greg Maw and Rev Roger Taylor and his wife, Jenny.

The fundraising barndance will be at Chepstow Baptist Church in Lower Church Street, from 6.30pm. The group will also have a stand at the Chepstow Round Table festival by the riverside bandstand on June 25. On top of that Greg Maw and Jake Martin will be taking part in the Three Peaks Challenge on July 23 – scaling Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon.

To find out more about the Zambia mission or the church you can get in touch with Rhian on 01291 621995 (after 7pm).