A Watford couple celebrated their wedding - by sponsoring an 11-year-old boy.

Helen and Andy Edwards sponsored the Zambian child through charity Plan International.

The couple had originally met in Zambia back in 1999 when Helen was working as a teacher in an orphanage.

So after their wedding this summer, they flew off in August to Africa for their honeymoon and to meet 11-year-old Nanson in person.

Andy, 30, and Helen, 26, bought a land rover in neighbouring Botswana and drove all the country before the final five hour drive from the famous Victoria Falls into southern Zambia.

"Our first stop was Plan's office where we learnt about the community and the problems it faces."

In Zambia more than 20 per cent of children have lost one or both parents to Aids and almost half of all children suffer from stunted growth due to poor nutrition.

Helen said: ""Nanson was really shy at first but he had a beaming smile and he and his brother loved the football and frisbee that we brought, along with pens and books for his schoolwork.

"Nanson gave us two beautiful woven baskets and I then discovered that he wants to be a teacher when he's older which is brilliant as that is what I do too."

Helen works as a special needs teacher at Alexandra School in Rayners Lane.

For more information on sponsoring a child with Plan call 0207 482 9777 or visit www.plan-uk.org