A COUPLE from Dunmow are heading off to achieve a lifelong ambition. Ex-teacher Linda Pannell and her husband Maurice will be heading out to Madagascar to work voluntarily at an orphanage for three months. The couple were due to leave today, Thursday, and

A COUPLE from Dunmow are heading off to achieve a lifelong ambition.

Ex-teacher Linda Pannell and her husband Maurice will be heading out to Madagascar to work voluntarily at an orphanage for three months.

The couple were due to leave today, Thursday, and hope that their links with schools in the area can help to establish a connection to pupils learning in Dunmow.

Mrs Pannell said: "I used to teach at Great Easton Primary and at St Mary's Primary and I am now a governor at Dunmow Primary School. At the end of term I spoke to the year five group about the Akany Avoko project."

Akany Avoko has been in operation for 40 years and was originally set up to house orphaned girls.

The organisation now offers a safe shelter through its child care and girls' centres, and a halfway home for young persons, children and babies.

"There are currently 140 children placed there," said Mrs Pannell. "One of the most attractive aspects is that it aims to provide education and skills for a self sufficient life.