Three X-ray machines, mobile X-ray units and three dialysis machines will be shipped from Bury St Edmunds to Roan General Hospital in Luanshya.

West Suffolk will donate the equipment through Aid to Hospitals Worldwide, a charity which reuses, recycles and refurbishes old and unwanted medical gear before sending it to poorer parts of the world.

David Walsh, director of facilities at West Suffolk, hospital said: "We have donated all sorts of surplus equipment abroad through the charity over the years and are delighted to see it put to good use for the benefit of others."

The donation was made following a request by the Hon Dr Chishimba Kambwili, a Zambian opposition MP who is trying to raise health standards in a country where average life expectancy is just 37.

He said: "On behalf of the Government of Zambia and the people of Roan, we say thank you for this most generous gift."