TWO Kendal schoolgirls were praised for their initiative and enthusiasm after raising thousands of pounds to help disadvantaged children in Africa.

Rebecca Chaplow and Katie Andrews, friends from Kirkbie Kendal School, cycled the 192-mile coast to coast route in aid of the Thandi Friends Project.

Teacher Georgina Airey said: ”The girls are good friends and keen cyclists, and they have been planning the ride for around a year.

“It was a challenge that took them three days, but they had their fathers there as their back-up team.”

And the charity to donate to was also chosen by the youngsters.

“The project was something we had supported at school so the girls knew all about it,” said Mrs Airey.

“We had previously helped build a creche in South Africa for impoverished children but it needed an extension, and the £4,000 raised by Rebecca and Katie will be used for that.

“The new room will be named after the girls, which is lovely.”