An Abbots Langley mother of two is asking residents to come along to a fundraising concert she has organised to raise money for a village in Zimbabwe.

Rudi Gray, of Summerhouse Way, has organised a musical evening, where jazz band Face2Face Music will perform a medley in North Orbital Community Centre, Watford, on Saturday, June 15.

Her aim, she said, is to fundraise towards buying land to start a farm for people living in village Kazingizi, Zimbabwe, which will cost approximately $57,000 and she is encouraging the community to join her in her endeavours.

Mrs Gray, who is the founding member of charity Friends of Tariro said introducing a farm will help children and adults to be self sufficient.

The 51-year-old said: "These people have absolutely nothing since the country entirely collapsed. I visit the village regularly - it is very close to my heart.

Often we are focused on giving food, clothes and money. However we don’t want them to always rely on the money we put in, of course we will give gifts and offer help but the farm would well-equip them to stand on their own two feet and earn their own living.

"They would be able to keep their own chickens and animals and it would be their own project to earn money out of which would enable them to pay for key resources such as teachers, and mothers who babysit orphans.

"We want them as a model to teach people in other villages, especially to teach our children who are growing up."

Mrs Gray, who grew up in Kazingizi, initially decided to help the charity after her sister, Grechen died of HIV in 2004.

So far, while looking after 15-year-old daughter Naomi and her son, James, 18, Mrs Gray has managed to raise enough funds to open an orphanage, school and Tariro Hope Church, through the work of Friends of Tariro.

Mrs Gray said the musical evening, which promises jazz, pop, classical, ballad, opera musicals and Christian music is not an evening to be missed.

She said: "Music2Music are absolutely fantastic. The opportunity to be so close to such professional musicians doesn’t come around often in your life time - listening to them is like being in the Albert Hall.

"I am asking everyone to come along and bring their friends and family. They will have an enjoyable evening, while raising money for a good cause."

Mrs Gray, who is also a director for Helping Hands, Watford, said she is keen to equip new volunteers into the charity.

She said: "So far we have five committed volunteers. We would love to get some more on board. People with a love for children or are keen to help - we would love to hear from you."

The doors to the concert will open at 7pm with a 7.30pm start. To buy a ticket, which costs £10 contact Betty Lawson on 01923 676 980 or Mrs Gray on 07732 687 870.