A new initiative is to give Renfrewshire residents the chance to learn more about the history and cultures of Africa.

From tomorrow (October 1), the Discover Africa Trail will showcase 11 countries represented by communities living in and around Paisley with displays in town centre businesses.

Among the countries included are Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya and Malawi.

The event is the brainchild of Johannes Gonani from charity Pachedu, Samuel Yerokun of Action for Cultures and Ethics and Regine Bews from the School of African Cultures.

Johannes thanked Paisley First, the business circle in Renfrewshire and in particular businesses for hosting the exhibition in their premises, while Samuel described the trail as “a celebration and an acknowledgement and recognition of the presence of the African community in Renfrewshire.”

“It is also helping to change the tainted narrative of the mother land, as the continent of Africa is affectionately known,” he added.

Regine said she hopes “communities in Renfrewshire and beyond will find the trail activities enjoyable and educative”.

Trail leaflets are available from the Paisley First leaflet racks at the Piazza Shopping Centre and The Paisley Centre.

They can also be downloaded from paisleyfirst.com.

The event will run throughout October with participants asked to complete the trail and quiz on the leaflet and post it in the postbox at the Piazza Shopping Centre for the chance to win a prize.