A BIG-HEARTED North-East man travelled to Thailand to help tsunami survivors rebuild their lives.

Neil Burgess, from Middlesbrough, was on holiday in Sri Lanka when the giant wave struck on Boxing Day -and saw its devastating effects first hand.

After returning home, he began fundraising to help victims and decided to travel to Thailand to take part in reconstruction work.

"Because of the memories of the unfolding events in Sri Lanka, I would find it too heartbreaking to go back there so soon," he said. "I needed to find another place where I could, at least, try to help those that had suffered."

He raised £230 at his workplace, Erimus Housing, and another £1,200 from a concert held by his Saltburn singing group.

The cash was used to buy a new boat for a fishing community and to help a woman, Kwanyhun, who lost her home and young son in the tragedy.

"This lady goes out to work every day to support herself and her surviving son," he said. "I gave her the donations to help to buy some of the materials for their new home. Nothing will ever replace what she has lost, but at least the money is helping her to look forward."

Mr Burgess, who returned from his trip this week, plans to go back to Thailand later in the year.