THAMES Water, Swindon's water provider, is offering community groups the chance to hear more about the vital work of its principal charity, WaterAid.

The charity helps some of the poorest people in Africa and Asia gain access to safe water supplies.

The company has a team of staff who volunteer to give talks on WaterAid's work. They have just completed their most successful year, making presentations to 70 groups across the region, and in the process spreading the message to more than 3,000 people.

The team, which makes no charge for each talk but encourages donations to the charity and gives ideas on how people can help fundraise, helped bring in £3,600 for WaterAid.

The sum will help almost 400 people get access to safe water and effective sanitation. Caroline Glenister, Thames Water's Community Investment Advisor, said: "We are happy to provide talks to any groups, including schools, churches and rotary clubs. Our speakers come with a variety of display material, including slides, videos, posters and leaflets."

The volunteers describe how WaterAid helps people to plan, build and maintain their own water and wastewater services.

Groups who want to book a talk should contact Thames Water's speaker programme co-ordinator on 0118 373 8936.