A SCHOOL for blind children in Jamaica is boasting a refurbishment, thanks to a group of Bournemouth volunteers.

A ten-strong team from the Salvation Army churches in Winton and Boscombe spent a fortnight in the Caribbean where they repainted the kitchen, toilet block and climbing frame at The School for the Blind and Visually Impaired Children in Kingston.

The volunteers, which included a teacher for children with special educational needs and a painter and decorator, also also gave the children lessons, treated them to a day out at the beach and took them out on a 5k walk.

Tina Shave, who helped organise the visit, said: "We were all very excited to go out to Jamaica and because we are all quite practical and good with our hands, we spent the two weeks helping out with any jobs we could around the school.

“It was an incredibly rewarding experience and on top of all the renovation and repair work we did while we were out there, it was nice to be able to build lasting links with the school so that we can continue to support it for years to come."

Winton Salvation Army has a history of supporting communities abroad and members of its congregation have visited countries including Ukraine in the past to help with community projects.

The church also has a direct link with The School for the Blind and Visually Impaired Children as Captain Nicola Muir – the director of boarding at the school – was a member of the Winton Salvation Army for many years.

Winton Salvation Army is still fundraising to buy supplies for The School for the Blind and Visually Impaired and is aiming to raise £5,000. Anyone wanting to make a donation can contact the church on 01202 517 989 or email winton@salvationarmy.org.uk

Well-wishers can also donate items the school has requested by visiting https://amzn.to/2JaMs4G.