BUSINESSES in Bromsgrove have rallied in support of three local schoolgirls who are preparing to fly to Peru to help build a new school for disadvantaged children.

North Bromsgrove High School year 11s Isabel Cotterell, Eve Stockley and Amelie Taylor hope to take part in Camp International's Schools Expedition next summer, which will see them build a school, teach English and plant trees in the Amazon rainforest.

The 15-year-olds are among seven pupils from North Bromsgrove to sign up to the mission in an effort to help communities less fortunate than themselves.

Isabel said: "We realised there are people out there who are a lot less fortunate than ourselves, and we wanted to do something to help these communities.

"We're really looking forward to taking part and are enjoying the fundraising to help us get there."

The girls have so far held table-top sales, sold sweets at local events and spoken at a North Worcestershire Business Leaders' network meeting to appeal for support from Bromsgrove business owners.

Hoiti-Toyti Toy Shop, Willowbrook Garden Centre, i4design, Bumble Hole Foods, Ollie's Eatery, Champion Security Installations and Waitrose are among those to donate and offer advice.

'The Peru Crew' are hosting a jazz afternoon tea with Chase Jazzmen at the Park Gate Inn on September 8 between 3pm and 6pm, and a fun run and Santa's grotto later this year.

For more information, or to book tickets, search 'The Peru Crew - Making a Difference' on Facebook, or call Sarah Hanson at Hoiti-Toyti Toy Shop on 01527 879966.