FOUR students from Malvern St James are holding a fashion show on Friday in support of a charity which sponsors education for African girls.

The four, Liberty Wilkinson, aged 15, from Putley, near Ledbury, Coco Chernel, 15, from Ledbury, Jennifer Gallagher, 16, from Malvern and Imogen Townsend, 15, of Colwall, were inspired by their meeting with a Kenyan girl, Dafrose Mbakaya, who spent a week at the school.

Her visit in 2014 was sponsored by Precious Sisters, which which supports the secondary education of girls with excellent academic potential in Kenya.

The charity started in 2005 with four girls, and by 2014 it had had 82 girls in school and 65 alumnae. The charity not only pays for the girls to attend school, it also provides one-to-one mentoring, which is critical in the absence of role models at home or in the girls’ communities.

The four formed the MSJ Precious Sisters Committee following Dafrose's visit and have spent the last 11 months preparing the fashion show.

Liberty Wilkinson said: "It was clear from the very first moments that I spent with Dafrose that she was so grateful for all she has ever been given during her life, even though it is considerably less than what my peers and I are used to. Not only did Dafrose want an education so passionately but she knew so wisely that it was what would open so many doors for her in future years."

Jennifer Gallagher said: "When Dafrose came to stay, I was astonished at how hopeful she was, despite her situation. Dafrose taught us all that happiness is very much a choice, and her joy and enthusiasm to learn inspired us to help other girls like her.

"I have always felt lucky to attend a school such as MSJ. Dafrose feels lucky to attend a school at all."

Coco Chernel said: "I moved here two years ago from Kenya. Being able to help a girl back home receive an education is more than just an amazing feeling for me, it's a privilege."

Entry to the show, which starts at 7pm, is £15 for adults, £5 for children, which includes a Kenyan-inspired meal. As well as the fashion show, the evening also includes stalls and an auction of prizes including a pair of return flight tickets to Kenya.

There are still some places available at the event and anyone interested in attending can pay in advance at the school or on the door.