RUNCORN'S tireless charity duo, Shirley and Eddy Johnson, have returned from their latest trip to Kenya, where they have been busy helping children, families and whole villages out of poverty.

Since founding the Paper Chase Trust ten years ago, the Johnsons have made 27 trips to Kenya, ensuring that money raised by schools and organisations across Halton is put to good use.

During their recent three-month trip, the couple were joined by learning mentors Jamie Dare and Sarah Stainsby, from Halton

High, and Rita Saunders, from The Park Primary School.

The group paid a visit to Dungokundo Primary School, which, since being twinned with Moore Primary School, has become the number one school in Watamu district.

Moore Primary has raised the funds to build a headteacher's office at the school, which was completed before Shirley and Eddy jetted back to the UK.

During a decade of bringing practical and financial help to the people of some of Kenya's poorest regions, Shirley and Eddy have many heartbreaking tales of tragedy to tell. But thanks to the people of Halton, some have a happy ending.

Christopher's father had died and his mother had no money to send him to secondary school. The 15-year-old approached Shirley and Eddy to ask if they could help.

Shirley said: 'He is a very bright young man and we said that we would try.

'We spoke to Jamie, Sarah and Rita and, to cut a long story short, The Park Primary School has sponsored Christopher. The charity paid for all his needs to attend the school and we often see him as he lives just across the road.'