Two women from Royston are set to travel to west Africa this weekend to volunteer on the world’s largest charity-run hospital ship.

Royston Crow: Children from Royston's Icknield Walk First School with the teddies that will go to Mercy Ships. Picture: Mercy ShipsChildren from Royston's Icknield Walk First School with the teddies that will go to Mercy Ships. Picture: Mercy Ships (Image: Archant)

Christine Brown and Sharon Grocott will be working off the coast of Cameroon aboard the Africa Mercy, the volunteer-run hospital vessel run by Stevenage-based charity Mercy Ships.

They will be taking with them teddies knitted and crocheted by crafters at No.3 Royston in Melbourn Street, which will be given to the children who come onto the Africa Mercy for surgery.

Christine said: “is only a small gesture but makes a huge difference to a frightened child.

“The reception class at Icknield Walk First School have been learning about the work of the charity and naming the teddies ready for the trip.”

You can follow Sharon and Christine during their time on the ship at facebook.com/shipmatesformercy.

You can also donate to their cause at justgiving.com/fundraising/sharongandchristineb.