AN empty library in York's Ghanaian twin town is to be filled with books at last.

York MP Hugh Bayley kickstarted a campaign to collect suitable literature for the newly-built building in Begoro, in the Fanteakwa district, after visiting with a delegation from the House of Commons International Development Select Committee.

Mr Bayley teamed up with the York Fanteakwa Community Link and Annie Mauger, head of libraries and heritage at York, to gather suitable literature which could be shipped over to Africa.

More than 800 books have now been collected on practical subjects such as gardening, but also art and literature. York Viking Rotary Club has funded their transportation by sea and they were stored at the offices of William Birch and Sons.

Mr Bayley said: "It's a great new library building, but entirely devoid of books.

"Annie Mauger and others have now put together an enormous collection of books.

"They will make a huge difference to the people in Fanteakwa and help to improve the quality of their lives."

Updated: 14:12 Tuesday, July 15, 2003