AN African school looks set to thrive thanks to a generous donation of books.

Bill Tuer, of Eryrys, near Mold, welcomed his sister Sheila Solarin for a brief visit to Flintshire from her home in Nigeria.

Mrs Solarin, 87, emigrated to Africa many years ago and set up the Mayflower School in Ikenne in 1956.

During her visit back, Mrs Solarin was presented with 12 containers of books for children that were generously handed over by pupils at the Catholic High School, Chester.

“There's about 800kg of books,” said Mr Tuer, 90.

“They’re for all different ages. Laser Line Shippers in Ruthin have been fantastic.”

Mrs Solarin, who has been made an MBE for her work with the school, continues to be actively involved in the school.

“The school is very important to her,” added Mr Tuer.

“All these books going to the school will be a great help.

“I have enjoyed going out there. The pupils call me Uncle Bill and there’s hundreds of them wanting to shake hands.”

Since being established in 1956 with just 73 male pupils, the school now has 3,000 pupils and is a mixed-sex school.

The vast majority of pupils are borders, although about 400 return home each night.

Mrs Tuer, who emigrated after meeting her Nigerian husband through the army, continues to dedicate much of her life to the school.

After winning about £80,000 on the Nigerian equivalent of Who Wants to be a Millionaire?, she pledged to donate the winnings to developing school facilities for the benefit of students.