A STUDENT is preparing to go to South Africa to work with poor and homeless children.

Adele Pearson, 21, will travel to Pietermaritzburg in July with ten people from England.

The group will work on projects dealing with education, poverty, homelessness, HIV and Aids, and could also build homes and orphanages.

Ms Pearson, from Darlington, has spent time with youngsters in orphanages in Poland and India.

She said: "In India, I spent five days with children from the slum areas. These children have nothing and do not even get the chance to play."

She will graduate from Teesside University in summer and hopes to become a teacher.

She said: "I love working with young people because it helps to develop their local community and hopefully gives them a better life."

The trip has been organised by the Christian group Tearfund, which sends volunteers to Africa, Asia and Central and South America.

Ms Pearson has to raise £1,500 for the trip and has been writing to businesses and planning fundraising.

She is organising a disco at the Clifton Community Centre, in Darlington, with the Rainbows, Brownies and Guides. The youngsters will sponsor her to dance all night.

To help her, call (0781) 054 7216.