MONTHS of fundraising have paid off for a group of youngsters who want to help orphans in one of the world's poorest countries.

But their hard work is nowhere near over because they have now set off for three gruelling weeks of voluntary community work in the African state of Malawi.

The youngsters, all from the Hambleton area, have left on their mission to help children who have been orphaned by AIDS.

The eight-strong group, who attend Northallerton College, Thirsk School and Easingwold School, are members of the county council's community education group, Hambleton Millennium Volunteers.

They are being accompanied on the trip by Mary Dodman, the Millennium Volunteer co-ordinator for the area, and Judith Aird, the district manager for community education in Northallerton.

In Malawi, the group will base themselves at an orphanage in the town of Likhubula.

During their stay, they will help renovate the building by painting and decorating and making curtains and will do some gardening.

They will also organise activities with the children.

In order to take part in the project, the group had to raise a total of £12,000, which they achieved by a combination of means.

Donations came from a variety of local sources, including Northallerton Round Table and the Dales School, which both raised £1,000.

Fundraising activities by the youngsters included a car boot sale, a raffle, African themed parties and a variety of sponsored events.

They also published their own cookbook, which proved to be a success.

Miss Dodman said: "The support from the community has been overwhelming and very much appreciated and the group look forward to sharing our experiences with all our supporters on our return."

Councillor John Dennis, the county council chairman and also the chairman of governors at Northallerton College, said: "It's encouraging to see people in this area going to great lengths to help people who are less fortunate.