CLUTTERBUCK the cow will soon be helping a poor community of villagers in Africa after help from three churches in Farnworth.

Parishioners from East Farnworth and Kearsley have raised enough money to deliver a farmyard of animals to struggling villagers as part of a Christian charity's Livestock for Life appeal.

Churchgoers from St John's, St Peter's and All Saints churches have raised £2,000 so that Clutterbuck, along with a collection of goats and hens, can be used help a needy community in the Third World.

The cow will be reared by British farmers in South Africa and then be sent to its designated African country.

Parishioner Derek Gee said: "Other names like Daisy and JJ Okocha were suggested, but everybody was pleased with Clutterbuck."

The cash was raised from a host of events including cake baking, talent displays, path cleaning, and a non-uniform day at St John's Primary School.

Church members will be told later which village their animals are going to and receive regular updates about Clutterbuck's progress.

The cow's milk will help to feed hungry villagers and the animal's first offspring will be passed on to a different African family.

The aim of the scheme is to make a poor village self-sufficient.

Fruit and vegetables will also be sent.

The project is co-ordinated by the Send a Cow organisation that gives support to help poor farmers in Africa by training them in animal care, sustainable organic farming and low-cost veterinary services.

The group targets communities in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Ethiopia.

Mr Gee added: "When the church was being revamped, it brought everybody together and fostered a real community spirit.

"This appeal fuelled our imagination and turned into a real challenge. We hear so much about the hardships people living in Africa have to endure."

Earlier this year, the church was given a £460,000 facelift after the stonework and ageing roof was revitalised with the help of a National Lottery grant.