THREE Barry schoolgirls have helped launch a national church appeal for overseas charity.

The St Richard Gwyn Catholic High school pupils helped Catholic Aid For Overseas Development (CAFOD) South Wales to launch their annual "Dig Deep" Lent appeal.

Fourteen-year-olds Elinor, Jennifer and Anna, travelled to Cardiff to get involved with the launch as a result of their hard work in school.

The three girls help lead a CAFOD group at school and spent time aiding younger children to learn more about the charity, helping them think of ways to raise money to help those living in poverty overseas.

As well as launching the Dig Deep appeal they will also be holding their own fundraising curry night with music at their school on April 3 at the school.

This year's appeal is in aid of war torn Sierra Leone, with funds helping to fund farming on disused diamond mines.

CAFOD South Wales Manager Kieran O’Brien said, “It was fantastic to hear about the important job the girls do at school with the younger children to teach them about our work around the world. We hope that people across Wales will follow their example and Dig Deep this Lent."