A DOCTOR from West Africa is visiting Burley-in-Wharfedale as part of the village's links with Tereli, in Mali.

Dr Zakari Saye, from Mali's Dogon region, will observe cancer care at St James’s Hospital, Leeds, Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and Manorlands Hospice during his month-long stay.

Dr Saye, who has been an important part of the Burley-Tereli Friendship Trust (BTFT) since his childhood, hopes to use those experiences to help eventually open the first cancer care unit in Mali.

Dr Saye celebrated Easter Sunday at St Mary's Parish Church, Burley, where the Vicar, Reverend Alastair Kirk, welcomed him and talked about the achievements of the friendship link.

Then on Saturday, April 22 the doctor gave a talk about his work and hopes for the future at St Mary’s Parish Centre, where he also chatted to visitors interested in finding out more about the BTFT.

The Trust came about after Christian Aid helped establish a link between the villages of Burley and Téréli in Mali, West Africa.

It then grew as part of journalist and broadcaster Jon Snow's On The Line Millennium initiative and has seen Burley residents and groups fundraising for a number of life-enhancing projects in| Mali.