Charity ship bound for Africa will carry 48-tonnes of cement donated by Lafarge and builders merchant Ridgeons.

Much needed water wells and medical facilities are being built in West Africa thanks to a builders merchant and Scottish cement plant.

Builders merchant Ridgeons and Lafarge Cement UK recently craned 48 tonnes of Blue Circle bagged cement onto the Benin-bound Anastasis while it was docked at the Port of Dundee.

The Anastasis is run by international charity MercyShips, which offers medical and community development services to developing countries.

While Anastasis is moored at African ports locals will be treated for conditions such as cataracts and tumours in three onboard operating theatres.

Lafarge’s Chris Buckley said: “It’s a real pleasure to continue our link with the Mercy Ship M/V Anastasis. Partnership is at the core of our relationship with Ridgeons and the Mercy Ships link reflects this in many ways. By working with both organisations we are giving people in Africa the opportunity they need to build a better life.”