Pit latrines and mud huts might not be everybody's idea of a holiday - but a Wyke grandmother is preparing for her second Ugandan mission.

Sheila Dobson, 69, braved "primitive conditions" last year in Mattugga, near the country's capital Kampala, to help Aids orphans and those in need.

In February, the retired school liaison officer will set off again for three weeks with Roger Fry, a retired vicar from Ben Rhydding, and ten other missionaries.

They will stay in Hoima, an area the size of Wales, and Kamuzinda, a village with 1,500 Aids orphans, to teach and make home and hospital visits.

"Most people live in huts and have no electricity or running water," said Mrs Dobson.

"An awful lot of children are orphans due to the Aids situation. Many of them die from Aids, diphtheria, measles and malaria. We met nobody aged between 15 and 45 - a whole generation is missing."

Many children, who fetch water from two miles away, cannot afford to be educated.

In the bush, people cannot get healthcare because they have no transport, so Mrs Dobson takes painkillers and plasters, along with pencils, balloons and little toys for the children. She gives money where she can.

Last year she met David and Linda Hodgson, from Bradford, working in Kiwoko missionary hospital. Its builders had to clear away skulls, grim reminders of tyrant Idi Amin's policy of beheading his "enemies".

Mrs Dobson stays with ordinary folk, sharing a room with several others.

She said: "We wash in bowls of cold water and there is no privacy. One pit latrine had a sort of toilet built on top, but it was very wonky."

Mrs Dobson, who has four grandchildren, loves to see the "lively and happy" children in Uganda.

Her worst memories of Mattugga, where she will return to see an orphanage open, include being invited into a shack on her first day.

"A young woman in her 20s was obviously dying of Aids, so her friend asked us to pray for her. It was a baptism of fire. The friend's child also died later that day from measles.

"I am just an ordinary person who wants to help. We have so much and they have nothing. When I went to a supermarket back here, I felt guilty."

Mrs Dobson plays the organ for St Mary's in Wyke and St Andrew's in Oakenshaw, where she earns some of her expenses for the trip at weddings.

To donate money, medical supplies or toys, ring Mrs Dobson on (01274) 676868 or leave them with either church.