A KENDAL man is auctioning his car to raise money to help a Ghanaian man studying for the priesthood return home to see his family.

John Bullock is selling his H-registered Citroen BX 19 to the highest bidder and all proceeds and donations will be given to Francis Kulah.

Mr Kulah, 30, has been studying for the priesthood at a college in Rome but for the last three months has been gaining parochial experience at Holy Trinity and St George Roman Catholic Church in Kendal.

"Because I know how dearly he would like to see his folks at least once before completing his four-year course, I would like to attempt to raise some cash to help him achieve his wishes," said Mr Bullock, who attends the church and has befriended Mr Kulah, whose mother and father along with his 11 brothers and sisters live in a village called Boo in the upper west region of Ghana.

Mr Bullock's car has 197,000 miles on the clock but he believes it "is capable of being driven for a few years yet."

The car - which Mr Bullock says has not been driven since passing its MOT last November - will be sold to the highest bidder in the condition as seen or inspected, without warranty.

It can be viewed on the forecourt of Wildings garage on Appleby Road, Kendal.

Sealed bids or donations are to be sent, marked Citroen Bid, to The Westmorland Gazette offices at 22 Stricklandgate, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4NE.

To view the vehicle, Mr Bullock can be contacted after 6pm on 726218.

Mr Kulah said that he was very grateful to Mr Bullock for his gesture.

"It gave me a shock that somebody is really feeling like my dad back in Ghana," he said.

"I can't express in words how I feel."