A VOLUNTEER from Africa and a girl from Thurlstone are working in Grimethorpe as part of an international scheme.

Bethan Harvey, 18, and Imercia Vilanculo, 23, originally from Mozambique have been paired as part of the VSO Global Xchange programme.

It gives people in different countries the opportunity to work together and contribute to communities.

They will be based in Grimethorpe for three months and will carry out voluntary work two days a week at the Pentecostal Church and another two days at Lifestyles Community Centre.

Imercia said she was enjoying her time in England.

She said: "I've not been to the UK before but I like it. I'm enjoying meeting different people."

So far they have been helping to clear gardens at the church and working with community groups such as the toddler club and lunch club.

Bethan, who spent three months in Mozambique, joined the programme after taking a gap year.

She said: " It's an amazing opportunity, I got to go to Mozambique and do volunteer work and I've met so many people in three months I can't count them all."

Volunteers have different work partners and living partners and Bethan is a host for another girl, Rita Decastro, who is also from Mozambique.