A KIND-hearted Rubery woman who has collected more than 4,000 bras for under-privileged South African women has been hailed as one of the UK’s "most avid" collectors.

Mandy Cook, from Great Park, has gathered the 'bra-vellous' figure from generous ladies across the area in little over 12 months, with each donation helping the ZABRA charity.

The UK charity collects pre-owned and new bras and underwear to send to women in South Africa and other countries who can't afford their own.

Ms Cook, who works as a midwife at City Hospital Birmingham, said: “I assisted a lady give birth to three of her four children and she told me about the charity about 12 months ago.

“I have been collecting ever since. Through networking with various places in Birmingham promoting the charity I have collected over 4000 bras.

“Women from all over have been sending them to me and I send them on to ZABRA.

“The charity collects new and used bras and sends them to South Africa and other countries where women and girls can't afford their own.

“If women wear a bra in these countries they are seen as more affluent and less at risk of sexual exploitation and abuse.”

Founder of ZABRA charity Jeanette Kruger hailed Mandy's work as 'amazing'.

She said: “Mandy is absolutely amazing. When she heard about ZABRA, she contacted me and said that she'll collect for us as well.

“I didn't expect her to collect quite as many bras and panties as she did!

“She continuously creates awareness and has put bins in various places to help with her collections.

“We have people collecting all over the world, but Mandy is one of our most avid collectors here in the UK.”

Mandy is inviting residents to help her collect even more by donating to collection points at Special Times gift shop on New Road, Rubery, and Hollymoor Church on Manor Park Grove.

She is also collecting children’s shoes for Sal’s Shoes charity, and baby clothes for up to four months for the Carry On 4 Babies charity – both sending items to South Africa.

Alternatively, donations can be made to Mandy by contacting her on amanda.cook28@btinternet.com.