GAZETTE & HERALD: A group of Ugandan visitors invited to Chippenham by local churches could be making a visit in June and July if visa applications are approved this time.

Last year church fund-raisers were left fuming after the visitors were refused entry to Britain by Government officials because of fears they might stay here illegally.

The British High Commission in Uganda refused to grant visas to the group of 17, which included several youths, a priest, a trainee priest, a headteacher and an aid worker.

This time around the Rev Tony Fensome, from St Peter's church in Chippenham, is travelling to Uganda to assist the visitors with their visa applications.

Mr Fensome is making the trip in February and the Rev Simon Tatton-Brown was optimistic they could overcome any difficulties this time around.

"We have plans in place to avoid the problems of last time. We hope the trip will go ahead this time," he said.

Fortunately the insurance premium the churches took out to cover any health needs for the visitors was refunded when the trip was cancelled and the money can be used again this time.

"We hope this visit will help us foster the link, build on our friendship and enable us to learn from each other," said the Rev Tatton-Brown.

Church fund raisers have gathered around £7,000 to pay for the trip and church members have been asked to offer accommodation, meals and transport to help make the visit a success.