A BRIDGWATER business has announced to support Educate the Kids as its charity of the year.

Hippychick, which sells nursery accessories, will be fundraising and organising events.

Educate the Kids is a charity who help children in Africa through their education.

Hippychick’s connection with the charity comes through one of its members of staff, Jake Pike.

Jake’s family was first introduced to Educate the Kids on the singing tour of 2006.

Meeting the youngsters inspired the family choose Kenya as a holiday destination and they got involved in the project.

They now campaign to raise awareness as well as funds for the charity.

Julia Minchin, managing director of Hippychick, said: "It’s such a fantastic project.

"Hippychick has always supported various charities associated with kids locally, nationally and internationally and this one really touched a nerve, particularly with Jake’s connection.

"We look forward to supporting the Singing Children of Africa Tour later this year and are really committed to helping the charity achieve their far-reaching targets."

The charity was founded by Maureen and Ian McIntyre in 1998 after visiting Kenya.

Maureen set up the charity and sponsorship programme offering the poorest children access to an education in the area of Utange, near Mombasa.

Maureen formed a singing group called the Singing Children of Africa, which she brought to the UK for a 12 week tour in 2006.

The Singing Children of Africa of will be coming to the UK from August to October this year.

The aims and objectives of the tour are to raise funds to be able to expand the school provision, meaning education for even more children.

Since April 2012, through various initiatives, Hippychick has raised £23,000 for charity.

This takes the running total of donations since the company was founded back in 1999 to an estimated £60,000.

To donate, visit www.hippychick.com