Plans to forge a partnership link between the people of Malmesbury and their South African counterparts have received a boost.

Accompanied by his wife Margaret, Coun Ray Sanderson will visit the South African town of Malmesbury on April 27 for three days to deepen connections between the two communities.

Coun Sanderson was part of a working party which explored the idea of twinning the town with Malmesbury in South Africa last November.

During his private trip he will donate six computers for schoolchildren, the homeless and adults on learning courses.

A scanner, printer and photocopier will also be shipped over.

The Rotary Club, to which Coun Sanderson belongs, purchased the technology, worth thousands of pounds.

Coun Sanderson said the equipment would benefit the people there.

He said: "This donation is the result of our last trip to South Africa."

In addition to presenting the new technology, Coun Sanderson will meet businessmen, and town councillors to give them a computer presentation on life in Malmesbury UK.