EXPECT a few voices to be raised next month in a bid to build a school library in Africa.

A special Melodies for Malawi concert has been organised by the church of Innerleithen, Traquair and Walkerburn along with the local Rotary Club.

And, to help celebrate 10 years of twinning with the Thondwe church in Malawi, they hope to raise enough money to finance the building of a much-needed school library.

The Republic of Malawi is a landlocked country in south east Africa which is considered to be one of the continent’s poorest and most densely populated nations.

The economy is based on agriculture and 84 per cent of its people live in rural areas with maize the staple food.

The Melodies for Malawi concert is being staged in Innerleithen featuring InChorus with input from the St Ronan’s Primary School Choir and the children of Thondwe Primary School, as a choral handshake to raise one million Malawi kwacha (a little more than £1000) to build a library for the children.

Organiser Denis Robson told the Peeblesshire News: “The provision of a library was identified as a priority by the Thondwe community which has committed to the construction of the building if the materials are provided.

"Books are currently stored in a school room which means one less much needed teaching room for the school which has 1800 pupils.”

The concert will take place in Innerleithen Church of Scotland on Saturday, October 22 at 7.30pm (doors open 7pm).

Tickets cost £5 per adult, and are already available at The Allotment, Innerleithen High Street, Nashy’s Café, Cardrona and St Ronan’s Primary School. Children admitted by donation.

There will also be a prize raffle.

In addition to the concert, the Rotary will hold a children’s workshop in the afternoon from 2pm to 4pm at the Church, with African activities such as drumming, dance, crafts and storytelling.

Denis added: “The library project will provide space and furniture that will be shared with the community.

"If sufficient funds are raised they will also be able to install solar power and use the building for educational talks.

"I would urge our community to come along and support the Million Kwacha Challenge.

"We look forward to welcoming you to an afternoon and evening of fun and entertainment."