A charity worker from Sidmouth is calling on anyone with a sweet tooth to resist their urges for 40 days to support African agriculture.

Send a Cow was founded in 1988 by a group of South West farmers shocked by reports of famine in Uganda and has since helped 1.3million people to lift themselves out of poverty.

Nick Carroll joined as its director of fundraising and marketing and this Lent he will take on its Sweet Swap challenge.

Participants are urged to give up cakes, chocolate, booze and more between March 1 and April 15 to raise at least £215 – enough to support a family of six for a year in the charity’s project in Ethiopia.

Former Sidmouth Primary School pupil Nick said:“I moved away to Bristol after university and started working in marketing and advertising, but quickly got bored of selling things to people that they didn’t need or want.

“I started volunteering for local Bristol charities such as a homeless shelter and established a small charity with a friend to support school children in deprived areas with enriching and fun activities out of school term.

“My dad was the financial director at The Donkey Sanctuary and my younger sister works there now – so perhaps working for charities runs in the family.

“I heard about the work of Send a Cow – primarily due to their funny name – and was surprised to hear of an international development charity being based in the tiny village of Newton St Loe between Bath and Bristol.

“I guess my job is all trying to inspire people to take an interest in what we do and join us in working alongside communities, so they can transform their lives, feed themselves, and stand on their own two feet.”

Nick is taking part in the Sweet Swap and hopes to persuade his family to do likewise.

To join the challenge, visit www.sendacow.org/sweetswap