STUDENTS raising funds for a trip to Africa during which they will renovate an orphanage have come up with an unusual way of financing the project.

To raise cash for the visit to Malawi, they are holding a castaway party and are hoping for a big attendance.

The eight students, all Millennium Volunteers (MV), and two leaders are holding the party on the evening of Friday, June 25, at Romanby Golf Club, near Northallerton.

One of the leaders, MV co-ordinator Mary Dodman, of Northallerton College, said: "We're inviting people to dress on the shipwreck theme, things like grass skirts and tattered trousers, though this isn't compulsory.

"The idea was inspired by Malawi's warm weather and its beautiful lake.

"There will be a delicious barbecue and dancing to live music and a disco.

"We'd love members of the public to come along and help us raise money for this very good cause.

"We hope the party will take us up to, and beyond, our fundraising target, so that besides renovating the orphanage we will be able to make a donation to it as well.

"It houses many children whose parents have died of Aids, which is rife in the country."

Anyone wishing to purchase tickets, which cost £17.50 including a contribution to the fund, can contact her at Northallerton College, on (01609) 773340 extension 229.

The Castaway Party is the group's last big push for funds before they fly to Malawi next month.

Needing to raise £12,000 for the trip, they have already topped the £10,000 mark thanks to grants and a series of events ranging from a celebrity cookbook to a car boot sale.