The 46-year-old teacher, who grew up on Ryesdale Drive, Goosnargh, moved to Kenya in 2005 and invested thousands of pounds in charity Heshima.

Alison and husband Steve, 39, set about transforming a plot of land in Kisumu that was nothing but trees and grass into the cultural centre where youngsters could play, explore and learn.

But Heshima – which means respect in Swahili – was attacked, burnt and looted following the disputed presidential elections in Kenya two months ago.

Alison and Steve now face the mammoth task of starting again - without any money because the development was not covered by insurance.

The arts centre and play areas were destroyed and books, toys and bicycles stolen – which looters have since attempted to sell back.

Alison, who has family living in Grimsargh, said: "We need a proper meeting with all the trustees, who are based in Britain, to work out what we'll do.

"If things settle down in Kisumu we would like to be able to rebuild it where it is. But if that's not a possibility then we would look at building it in a safer area.

"Either way, we want to be able to rebuild Heshima because it had a real need. Hundreds and hundreds of disadvantaged children benefited.

"It was working well and it's not the children's fault that we're in this mess."

If you can help, e-mail melanie.wallwork@lep.co.uk