DOC Martin star Martin Clunes has showed his support for a Cumbrian-based charity to help it build a school in Africa.

The 58-year-old, also famous for playing the role of Gary Strang in Men Behaving Badly, heard about the work of Siiboo through one of its supporters, a woman called Norah Messenger.

When the TV star's agent contacted charity founder Colin Fox, he said he was "absolutely blown away".

He's offered - as a prize the charity can auction - the chance for a Doc Martin fan to spend the day on set when the filming of series 10 gets underway in Cornwall. It includes the chance to meet the cast and crew as well as the opportunity of a walk-on part.

"Norah saw our posts and at that time we were struggling. It was a week to week thing of whether we were going to make it or not," said Colin, 53.

"I was gobsmacked about the prize he has given, compared to what was asked for - a signed photo or something we could use in an auction.

"But then when you look back at what he does for charity, he's been involved with Comic Relief."

Colin and his wife Sharon, 43, of Egremont, have been building the school in Bakendik, The Gambia, for the last three years.

They are trying to raise funds for perimeter fence around the school and are also aiming to build a third classroom which would mean more pupils could attend.

But as a result of the pandemic bring their fundraising plans to an abrupt halt, they were left with just £9 in the bank at one point.

At the moment Siiboo needs to raise at least £150 a month to subsidise the teachers' wages, and any further donations are used to buy resources.

"Right from the word go, to get money we always wanted to give something back in return.

"But unfortunately it go to a stage where we had to be straight up and say we need money, if we don't get money, in five weeks we'll be shut.

"It's something we said we'd never do but our back was against the wall.

"Fortunately some members of our community have been outstanding and our families."

Colin continued: "I'm hoping that one prize will allow us to put a borehole and a water tank in.

"Hopefully it's going to make a huge difference."

The couple aren't sure exactly how they will use the prize to raise money but are urging all Doc Martin fans to keep their eyes peeled on Siiboo' social media pages.