Richard Batson Youngsters from a charity's children's homes across Norfolk are off to sample life in the African desert.During a 10-day trip of a lifetime they will trek across the Sahara to sleep in a nomad tent and dine under the desert sky stars along with visiting the bustling city of Marrakech with its souks and snake-charmers.

Richard Batson

Youngsters from a charity's children's homes across Norfolk are off to sample life in the African desert.

During a 10-day trip of a lifetime they will trek across the Sahara to sleep in a nomad tent and dine under the desert sky stars along with visiting the bustling city of Marrakech with its souks and snake-charmers.

Now the Sheringham-based charity Break, which is running the trip for 10 children, aged 12 to 16, in five of its homes, is seeking help in topping up funding for the adventure.

Travel company Authentic Morocco is providing the holiday at cost price, having met the charity at a holiday trade show.

Founder Liz Williams is already helping desert children with a new charity, but felt the British youngsters would also benefit from seeing a culture so different to their own.

The Norfolk children would meet Berber families during the travels around the city, sand dunes, oases and mountains.

“The family is everything to the Moroccans. Children are precious and get a lot of attention.

“Nomad children may not have shoes or very much at all, but they are full of happiness, and enjoy the space and love around them,” said Mrs Williams.

Her business involvement began through a passion for the country that saw her helping local families by buying land and camels to help them become self-sufficient, then realising they needed visitors to help generate income.

Clients range from VIPs to backpackers, and she was pleased to help the Break party, which is travelling out on October 22.

Charity fund-raising manager Alan Leedham, who has been on a “recce” of the tour, said it would be a unique experience for the youngsters.

Money-spinning efforts, from a 40k Broads canoe paddle to a London marathon runner, had covered the cost of the holiday. But further donations or sponsorship was being sought to help pay for the travel and subsistence.

Anyone who can help should contact the Break fund-raising office on 01263 820728.

More information about Authentic Morocco is at www.authentic-morocco.com