Alresford residents have found a novel way to help the children of Africa, on whose shoulders the future of the continent increasingly depends.

They have raised more than £2,000 for the children of Aids victims.

"Because so many of the adult population will be wiped out in the Aids epidemic, it is vital that we support their sons and daughters," said Bob Broadbent, Alresford Rotary Club's international committee chairman.

Last November, Rotarians persuaded people to part with foreign currency which was to become obsolete with the euro.

"To date, over 500 envelopes with notes and coin from all over the world have been returned," said Mr Broadbent. "The contents were truly staggering, the current total running to over £2,500.

"Rotary members and their friends acted as couriers whenever they visited a country abroad. They took the coins and notes to the banks, where they were exchanged for euros, or in the case of non-euro countries, notes that could be changed into sterling.

"It has meant that the Alresford Club has been able to send a cheque to support an orphanage.

"This year, the committee is helping the Makaputo Trust, which provides housing and care for the children of Kwa Zulu Natal, made orphans by the epidemic."

It was amazing, he added, what a difference a relatively small amount of money could make.

He said that cash from 20 national currencies had been donated. Topping the list was the French franc, £563 worth, followed by pesetas and marks. Bottom was £8 in Jersey pounds.

n Alresford Rotary has also donated £1,400 to the international campaign to eradicate polio by 2005. Mr Broadbent said the money would be used to provide vaccine and support services for health workers and parents of children at risk. Remarkable progress had already been made against the disease worldwide, with cases down from 350,000 in 1988 to fewer than 500 this year.