A MAN on a mission has kept his promise and returned to West Africa with medical supplies and toys.

Touched by the lives of orphaned youngsters after visiting an SOS Children's Village in Mali, Bertrand Sargisson appealed to News Shopper readers for help in March.

He vowed to return to the village, run by the Cambridge-based charity, with as many useful supplies as he could gather.

Five months on, the 46-year-old, of Cumberland Road, Bromley, has done just that.

Once again he made the 9,000 mile round trip, through Morocco and across the Sahara, to deliver bandages, medication, syringes, toys and coloring books.

Speaking after his 14 day trip, Mr Sargisson said: "It was such a humbling experience and I'm so glad I was able to return. It was a lot of hard work but I'm pleased I did it and am thankful to everyone who helped me out."