AN NHS foundation trust has raised more than £2,300 to aid the National Women Farmers Association (NAWFA) in West Africa.

Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP) raised the money after recycling old ink cartridges and toners so they can be re-sold and proceeds sent to Gambia.

Jeannie Metcalfe-Hall, CWP’s environmental officer, said: “I think it is amazing that we have raised so much through our empty cartridges.

“If it hadn’t been for this recycling initiative, in partnership with Environment Times and KMP international recycling re-manufacturer, they would have simply gone in the bin and then polluted landfill.

“The proceeds have been sent to Gambia to help pay for farming tools and seeds to enable its women farmers to grow and harvest crops on which to feed their families or try to sell at markets.”

Ros Preen, financial director at CWP, said: “This is a great cause to get behind and staff at the trust are really embracing it.

“It’s unbelievable to think that these cartridges could be disregarded as having no value at all when they can be used to raise such an incredible amount and also benefit the environment.

“The trust strives to reduce its carbon footprint and operate in the most environmentally friendly way possible.

“This scheme is just one of many we have implemented trust-wide and we are always looking at new ways to promote the protection of our environment to our staff and members.”