A BUDDING actress is hoping to transform the lives of poverty stricken children in Africa.

Lauren Bridge, from Wincham, is returning to the remote village of Abenta in Ghana, which she visited with her dad Carl when she was only 16.

After helping out with several community projects the 19-year-old can't wait to go back and continue her voluntary work.

"I've never met a village so welcoming and so joyful," said Lauren. "I felt at home as soon as I got there and just got stuck in straightaway."

The former Sir John Deane's College performing arts student is now studying theatre and performance at the University of Salford.

She hopes to become an actress and has appeared as an extra in films and on television including the recent series of Cold Feet on ITV.

Lauren, who was also a background artist in a new film of Tolkien as a youth due to be released in May, is confident her performance skills will help her to break down language barriers and bond with villagers in Africa.

"I'm hoping to use my theatre skills to communicate with the children," she said. "I will be teaching them English and maths. I'm hoping to put on a musical or a play with them.

"I am also videoing my life so I can show them what life is like here and give them a vibe of what British culture is like."

Lauren will be volunteering with the charity Village By Village which has improved sanitation, hygiene and education for many African communities.

Fresh drinking water and electricity have been installed.

The charity has also provided 700 scholarships to enable children to go to school in 70 remote rural villages, by providing shoes, books, pencils and uniforms.

Lauren has to raise £1,000 to support their work before she sets off in June and is organising a live music event at Wincham Community Centre from 6pm to 11pm on Saturday, March 23.

Performers include Ewan Job, Pacific, Jacoba, Plain Navy, Graceland, Good for Gordon, Ocean on Mars and magician Brad Hart.

Lauren will be promoting personal hygiene on her five-week mission and is appealing to concert goers to donate sanitary products at the concert.

"It was heartbreaking for me to hear that young girls and women don't have any sanitary products," added Lauren. "I want to try and change people's lives and make a difference.

"I've been overwhelmed by how many people have offered to help me. All my friends from uni are supporting me and the bands are giving up their time for free.

"The reason for this charity event is to help another community but it is helping ours as well by making people more aware of those in need."

Tickets priced £10 can be reserved in advance on 07970 318837. Every penny will go to the charity.