PEOPLE should get tooled up when they venture into the town centre, according to Swindon Rotary Club.

The Rotarians have adopted their national Tools for Self-Reliance scheme as their current charity to help those in deprived communities in Africa .

They are urging people with unused tools and woodwork equipment sitting idle in garages and around the house to donate them.

After refurbishment the tools are shipped out to communities in Africa where they are put to good use.

Rotarian Tony Richardson said: "This is a great drive and a worthy cause. We'll collect them and make sure they're refurbished and then put to good use.

"Some of the tools collected in this way have been used at Blacksmiths' in Africa where they help to forge new tools, so in a way it's a rolling programme."

And in keeping with the adage that charity starts at home, Swindon Rotarian Gary Herbert kick-started the campaign by handing over a selection of unwanted tools.

The Rotarians are hoping that a series of large bins will be placed at strategic points across the borough where people can deposit their unwanted tools.

Call Swindon 714428 for more details.