THE Penarth and District Lesotho Trust (PADLT) has been working for some years establishing friendship links between people in Penarth and District with people in Teyatyeyaneng (TY) and District in Lesotho.

The latest initiative is to take used Duplo and Lego to schools in TY as a teaching resource and for children to play with.

Keith Howells, from PADLT, said: "Many of us have had a lifelong love affair with Lego, seeing our children and grandchildren playing with and enjoying this flexible and enduring toy.

"However, Duplo and Lego are expensive and in Lesotho where there is no disposable income not only is the toy absent but it is almost unheard of.

"PADLT sees this as an opportunity for the Penarth Community to unite behind what they see as a worthwhile project. All our local schools are being invited to participate, with pupils being asked to spare a few pieces of Duplo or Lego which will then later be played with by children in Lesotho. All participating schools will have collecting boxes. Many families have boxes of Duplo and Lego in the attic being kept “in case”, and perhaps some of this can be spared.

"This project is being launched on February 4 and all those interested are invited to the Annual General Meeting of PADLT, 7pm in Stanwell Road Baptist Church, entrance Stanwell Road, when there will be an opportunity to hear about what is happening in Lesotho from some who visited last Summer and to find out more of the Duplo and Lego project."

There will be collection points of Duplo and Lego for the general public around Penarth and District, in Griffin Books, Stanwell Health Centre, The Library, The Council Offices, the Kymin and The Old School Hall in Sully.

Phase one of this scheme will end at Easter when all donations should have been received.

Phase two will involve sorting the Duplo and Lego into tubs for each school and all local participating schools will be invited to take part in a Duplo and Lego Festival during the Summer Term. The general public will be able to view and vote on these creations.

Phase three is the transport of Duplo and Lego to Lesotho and its distribution to schools in TY and District.

"So, all you Lego lovers, Le’go your Lego and get involved in this project, but please, only genuine Duplo and Lego, no copycats as they will be incompatible."