Supergran Jenny Moore has headed into the jungles of Africa to help hundreds of orphans.

At the age of 75, when many pensioners would be happy pottering around the garden or relaxing with their families, she has opted to join a group of volunteers in Uganda.

Mrs Moore is spending ten days overseeing building work on a school for 400 orphans which is being funded by the Quicken Trust, a Hailsham-based charity.

The trust is helping build the school for youngsters orphaned by Aids, which is rife in Uganda.

Retired social worker Mrs Moore, of Polegate, was among a band of supporters who since July 2000 have helped raise £40,000 for the project.

Construction is underway, with the first four of eight classrooms due to open in February.

Mrs Moore said: "This preliminary visit is too short for immediate change to traumatised children but it's possible for new beginnings to start.

"That requires a seed of hope to be planted. My hope is to be one of the many seeds that will be planted in the lives of these children.

"Orphans become Cinderellas within their society and have little or no hope for their future.

"In some small way, it is my hope that my visit will enable me to bring the orphans a sense that someone cares for them, understands their needs, wants to help them in their future hopes and loves them."

She has already adopted an orphan and, by contributing £17 a month, hopes to see him develop into a well-educated, independent young man.

She added: "That £17 a month is about the equivalent of six pints of beer, five packets of cigarettes or a takeaway meal for two. That's not a lot to give in a month."

Mrs Moore, who is a specialist counsellor, wants more people to follow her lead by adopting an orphan.

She said: "Age is no barrier to becoming a harbinger of hope. What a privilege to invest in the lives of these children."

Geoff Booker, trust director, said: "Jenny has some unique skills in aspects of family counselling and a strong empathy for the needs of the bereaved.

"When she heard of the plight of the orphans it made an impact on her and she wants to see how her skills can help them and those who have a responsibility for them. When the opportunity came for her to use her skills in this way, it fulfilled a long-standing ambition."

For information on how to sponsor an orphan, contact The Quicken Trust by phone or fax on 01323 832361 or by post at PO Box 113, Hailsham, BN27 4US.