REVELLERS ENJOY A SAMBA PARTY TO HELP CHILDREN

11:40 - 10 March 2008

Carnival fans were treated to a night of Brazilian entertainment in Exeter as part of a charity's efforts to raise money for street children in Rio de Janeiro.

Music and dancing was laid on at Exeter City Football Club by Children's Aid, along with exotic drinks such as Caipirinhas and snacks.

Samba band Street Heat provided their services for free on Saturday evening, as did a band from Teignmouth Community College, which regularly raises money for the charity.

There were displays and workshops in the Brazilian martial art of Capoeira and Brazilian samba dancers were on hand to get the party going and teach those who wanted to join in.

"The night was fantastic and everyone said the atmosphere was really great," said organiser Vera Queiroz Hallums."

Lots of people joined in and that was excellent to see."

There were pictures on display so people could see the kind of work the charity does.

Vera said: "The idea behind events like the carnival is to have a good time and spread the culture of Brazil because the Brazilian people are very energetic and fun."

The aim is to help the street children. For every nine children there is one, as we tend to call them, mother.

"We try to develop the children's attitudes to things, a respect for the environment, help their families and improve their behaviour through things like sport."

The charity - which was founded by Vera's son Ricardo who lives in Rio - is always looking for sponsorship, even if it is as little as 50p per month, and is keen to welcome volunteers.

Vera said: "We could not have organised the carnival without the volunteers who helped us, the bands who played on the night, Barclays for sponsoring the event and Nando's for giving some of the volunteers a complimentary meal as a way of thanking them for their hard work."

For more information about Children's Aid or to donate money to the charity, visit www.childrensaid.org.uk .