Norman Lamb on hand to help Smallburgh charity get back on track after fire tragedy

Norman Lamb thanking Eunice Kokrasset for all of her hard work. Picture: Jon Smith (Image: Jon Smith)

The politician was at the Crown Pub in Smallburgh cutting the ribbon on a recently gifted bus to the Smallburgh2Abidjan community group, who will be taking their 'library bus' to the African city.

The group faced tragedy in early July after their first donated red double decker London bus caught fire on the A11.

However, determined to take a bus packed full of equipment, clothes, books and stationary to Abijan, the group are continuing to fundraise to get the bus to Africa.

The idea began when The Crown Pub landlady, Eunice Kokrasset, decided she wanted to repay the hospitality shown her by the tight-knit village community by showing 16 locals her homeland, and taking some pieces of her new home with her.

Pam Dean is one of the organisers of the trip, she said; 'We got the new bus this weekend and Norman came along as he's always been very supportive of Eunice and the work she's doing. He comes along to our African Festival which we hold every year, and frequently comes into the pub with his wife.

'He's just lovely, he's exactly how you'd expect a politician should be.'

The welcoming of the new bus, which included a ribbon cut by Mr Lamb and a barbecue, raised more than £1,000 for the group.

Fundraising events to raise £25,000 to get the group and their bus to Africa are taking place throughout the next few months.

A Promises Auction will be taking place at Smallburgh Village Hall on August 9, complete with a barbecue at 5pm before the auction at 7pm.

On August 19 the infamous African Festival will return to Smallburgh, which will also be raising funds for the bus.

To support the group, visit their fundraising page.

MORE: Smallburgh charity looks to raise £25k after bus destined for Ivory Coast burst into flames on A11