ELEPHANT shaped collection boxes in Cricklade have helped raise more than £1,000 for an African charity.

Around 40 families in the town collect their small change throughout the year by placing them in the unusual containers.

The money supports a Christian charity called the United Society for the Propagation of the Gospel.

Paul Fray has been running the scheme for the past 10 years, although it was set up 20 years ago. The total for the last six monthly collection was £588.71.

Mr Fray said: "Not only is it the best collection to date, but we have collected over a £1,000 in a year."

The money helps improve the health care infrastructure in Malawi.

"From the newsletters from Malawi, it can be seen that the facilities there have improved greatly in the last few years, '' said Mr Fray. "It is thanks to the generosity of donors that this is possible."

Anyone who would like to support the scheme can call Mr Fray on 01793 750740.