A CHARITY based in Watford has opened its first children's home in Kenya.

Eagles Wings is the brainchild of local man Bruce Oliver and was established to help the street children of Kenya.

The home, in Elburgon, in the Rift Valley Province, will house 39 girls whose ages range from two to 14.

To look after them there will be a resident "mum", providing a loving, caring environment in which each girl is valued.

There are large numbers of children living on the streets of Elburgon.

The local economy has collapsed due to new restrictions on timber cutting and unemployment is very high. AIDS is an added problem; many of the children have seen their parents die, and are themselves HIV positive.

Eagles Wings has been supported by businesses and schools from around the Watford area.

Bruce said: "Our aim is to buy a working farm and enough land to establish a safe place to protect the young girls from abuse and prostitution, which has often been the only way of providing food for the family."

For further information log onto www.eagleswingsuk.org, telephone Jude Castle on 01923 446511, or e-mail office@eagleswingsuk.org.