A STUDENT from Darlington is preparing to embark on a four-week adventure this summer to help disadvantaged children.

Helen Clarke, of Blackwell Lane, is flying off to Calcutta, India, on July 24, to aid a programme called Transform run by Christian relief and development charity Tearfund.

The 21-year-old, who is a textile student from The University of Huddersfield, will be working with street children in schools and clubs run by a Christian organisation called Emmanuel Ministries Calcutta.

She will be joined by 11 other women from around the country, forming the "Transform team".

Miss Clarke said: "I wanted to spend my summer in a constructive way, helping those less fortunate than myself. I realise the trip will be incredibly challenging, as the culture is completley different to anything I have experienced before.

"I am very excited about this amazing opportunity and look forward to working with the street children."

Emmanuel Ministries is a charitable trust working mainly in and around the city of Calcutta, providing street children with dignity and hope for the future.

The project works with children at risk on the streets, those affected by Aids/HIV, helpless and exploited girls and women and the migrant rickshaw-pullers.

Each member of the Transform team has been asked to raise funds for the trip.

Miss Clarke is appealing for help to boost her cashpot further.

As part of her fundraising, she will be holding an exhibition of her artwork alongside a coffee morning at Elm Ridge Methodist Church on Saturday, June 4, from 10am to noon.