A YORK gardener is leaving the landscapes of the city behind to help build a school in Mozambique for children with learning disabilities.

Jacques Crowther, of York Road, Acomb, is setting off for south east Africa next Tuesday on the 12-day expedition after extending his overdraft in order to raise the £2,500 needed.

Jacques, 28, who works for a landscape gardener in the city, only signed up for the trip in February and was unable to raise all of the sponsorship money.

He is now hoping to recoup most of his costs by continuing to collect sponsorship money when he returns to the UK.

Jacques said the expedition, which will raise vital funds for Mencap as part of Project Renew, would give his life focus after his career in the Royal Marines was cut short when an accident during training caused him to lose his sight in one eye.

A school in a slum area of Maputo will be redeveloped, with Jacques using his skills to lay patio slabs, build fencing and create a play area.

Jacques said: "I was delighted when I heard about this project as I felt I could have a direct practical impact on the lives of children in a developing country in a short period of time.

"The work undertaken will benefit children immediately and in the future.

"The school is in a slum area of Maputo and is in desperate need of renovation.

"I hope to use the practical skills I have developed while working as a landscape gardener in the York area and gain new skills whilst helping others."

The first half of the trip is dedicated to redeveloping the school and the second half is a challenging trek to the south of Maputo.

Companies that have sponsored Jacques so far include Beechwood Skip Hire, Anglo Management, Lizanne Garden Design, as well as members of the Quaker Friends in York and Thirsk. If anyone can help, phone Jacques on 07815 905382 or send cheques payable to Mencap Promotions Ltd to OAJ Crowther, 23 York Road, Acomb, York, YO24 4LW.

Updated: 08:47 Thursday, May 22, 2003