A CHURCH'S appeal for 1,000 pairs of socks to send to schoolchildren in Africa has reached its target.

Not only that, but an extra 554 pairs were collected by St Thomas's Church, Bradley.

The socks are destined for youngsters in Mara, Tanzania.

An appeal supported by local schools also raised money to pay for transporting the socks.

Organiser Helen Drury said: "It's been a wonderful effort. People have rallied round for a worthy cause."