A Petersfield man is appealing for brass instruments to be donated for use by disadvantaged children in Africa.

Steve Sargent, a life-long trumpet player, is collecting on behalf of the charity Brass for Africa, which supports children in orphanages in Uganda and Liberia.

The charity believes that the opportunity to learn and play music has the most profound and empowering effect, particularly on disadvantaged young people, orphans, former street kids, refugees and vulnerable children.

It runs nine brass bands together with other musical and social programmes in Africa.

In order to provide employment and sustainability to the music education work, Brass for Africa also provides brass instrument teacher training for older musicians, and has set up an instrument repair workshop.

The charity, which works in partnership with British Airways, and whose patron is the internationally-famous trumpet soloist Alison Balsom, also provides social care and counselling at a Juvenile Rehabilitation Centre and provides special care for vulnerable girls in the slums of Kampala.

Mr Sargent said: “At this time of year, many of us are acutely aware of how fortunate we are and we want to do something for those who need help. It occurred to me that lots of families here have unused brass instruments in their lofts and cupboards after their children stopped music lessons and went to university. Probably, these will never be played again, and many people would like them to be used in a way which will transform the lives of young people who have nothing.”

The former Petersfield police officer, pictured here with the first few donations, can be contacted at [email protected] or by calling 07707 993200 and will be happy to collect instruments for the next shipment, by arrangement.