A CHARITY which will help to support projects in Africa has been launched in Harrow.

Former Mayor Councillor Lurline Champagnie is the official patron of Reach Out Africa, a charity aimed at helping existing African projects to extend to more parts of the continent.

A launch event for the charity was held on Saturday, December 19, at Harrow Civic Centre, with the High Commissioner of Africa as the special guest.

The launch featured music from African solo artist Sona Jobarteh who entertained guests on the traditional west African harp.

The charity's stated aims are to “relieve sickness, preserve health, advance education and relieve financial hardship of people in Africa” and will be holding fundraising events throughout 2010.