One of the first tool donations will be given to the CofE Diocese of Derby's Appeal for Tools on Wednesday 2 June, when Rolls-Royce Director of Engineering and Technology for Civil Aerospace, Ric Parker, hands over a hammer to The Rev'd Canon Donald Macdonald.

The Appeal seeks good quality second-hand unwanted hand tools for refurbishment which can then be given to artisans in Africa to set up a trade, or be sent to local Derbyshire mental health and conservation charities. Beneficiaries are the charity Tools for Self Reliance and local good causes - the Derbyshire Green Health Partnership and the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV). (For more details of the Appeal and its partners and beneficiaries, see press release dated May 27th or visit www.derby.anglican.org).

Rolls-Royce plc is one of the many partners supporting the Appeal, launching on 5th June under the banner 'Working Together To Make a Difference', and the company has assisted in the production of publicity materials and provided space at its site to enable the sorting of donated tools.

“Rolls-Royce is very pleased to support this Appeal for Tools in Derbyshire. This is a project which demonstrates how to put to excellent use tools which may have little perceived value – a true win-win for everyone involved” said Ric Parker at Rolls-Royce.

The Rev'd Canon Donald MacDonald, who is Chairman of the Working Group launching the Appeal, said: "We're enormously grateful to Rolls-Royce for their key part in supporting us, and we hope this donation marks the start of a successful Appeal. Collection centres will be open from June 5th, so do have a good sort out in your garage and home and we would gladly receive any unwanted tools that you find."

A list of collection centres where tools can be donated can be found on www.derby.anglican.org

Ends

Notes to editors:

• Full details of the Appeal, its partners and beneficiaries were outlined in press material issued by e-mail on May 27th, or on www.derby.anglican.org
• The photocall with Ric Parker and The Rev'd Canon Donald MacDonald will be will be at Rolls-Royce office, on Wednesday, June 2nd, 4pm.