But not kind-hearted couple Richard and Chris Street.

For the past ten years the Pinxton pair have foregone their annual break, travelling instead to a needy region of Africa to deliver much-needed supplies.

Their efforts over the years have put smiles on the faces of hundreds of underprivileged youngsters and the couple's latest campaign to Mombasa, Kenya, has been given a boost by Chesterfield FC after the club donated Blues' shirts, shorts, socks and boots for the trip.

Reporter Jon cooper has been discovering what drives the couple.

Richard and Chris Street were so moved by the plight of people in poverty-stricken Mombasa while on holiday there in 1999 that they decided they wanted to do something to help them.

And for the past ten years the selfless couple, from Pinxton, have turned their annual holiday into a mercy mission.

Richard (55) a NEDDC grounds maintenance supervisor, said: "We found the people so friendly and we were taken into the villages where there is a lot of poverty but they still shared what little they had with us to make us welcome.

"We were overwhelmed by their generosity and friendship; we visited schools and orphanages and developed a network of friends and a desire to keep going back."

Sponsors

The couple first donated food and sweets but after meeting a Cheshire couple called Paul and Carol McCartney they managed to attract sponsors and have been taking larger parcels of supplies with every trip over the last six years.

Supplies have included stationery, pens, paper and rulers for schools, clothes and sweets. After they spotted one youngster with just one football boot, they teamed up with Chesterfield FC to take soccer kit over as well.

The Spireites donated shirts, shorts, socks and boots for the couple's last trip to Mombasa, at the end of last year, and Mr and Mrs McCartney provided a yellow football kit so the youngsters could make teams and play against each other.

Richard added: "One lad was walking around with one football boot and was looking for someone who could give him another boot just so he could play. It was wonderful to see him get new footwear thanks to the Blues.

"They're so passionate about football in Mombasa. They were delighted to get the kit and our trips have become so rewarding and satisfying that they've become our regular annual holiday."

The couple pay for their own travel and have covered the cost of sending parcels and supplies with help from sponsors and supporters including Severn Trent Water, the Soroptimists of Chesterfield and the Rotary Club of Chesterfield.

Inspired

During the ten years Richard and Chris have been visiting Mombasa they have been inspired by one elderly English woman who set up an orphanage for youngsters with HIV.

And their donations are helping to make a real difference including helping to set up a workshop and provide a sewing machine for a disabled Kenyan woman so she could work.

Richard, who is also chairman of Pinxton Chernobyl Lifeline charity, and Chris (56), who is a hairdresser, are preparing for their next trip later this year.

Businesses, schools or anyone who can and would like to support them can call Richard on 07816 913787.