A KIND-HEARTED student has spoken of her experience after she volunteered to spent Christmas 6,000 miles away helping some of the worlds poorest children.

Vicki Pugh, 18, had a taste of a different culture at Christmas by volunteering as an assistant teacher at the Christian Care Foundation for Children with Disabilities (CCD) in Thailand.

Based in the Pakkred district of Nonthaburi, a province where the Thai government operates several homes for abandoned disabled children, CCD works with the authorities to provide care and support to abandoned children and young adults.

Estimates suggest that there are more than 2,000 such children in these institutions.

This includes three centres where up to 100 children are taken off the government wards for half a day of structured play, physiotherapy and sensory development.

Vicki, who completed A levels at Yarm School this year, said: "CCD makes a real difference to children's lives because their centres are an opportunity for love, individual attention and hope as well as stimulating each child's intellectual, physical and emotional development.

"As a predominantly Buddhist country, December 25 is a normal working day in Thailand, but the foundations Christian ethos meant lots of Christmas activities were organised."

Vicki, from Sadberge, near Darlington, said: "I was surprised to find that, not unlike home, the consumer Christmas has spread to Thailand.

"Huge Christmas trees in the shopping malls, Christmas lights down some of the streets in Bangkok and the general buzz that comes around during this time of year.

"However, the Christmas I have experienced here has been so much more than that, thanks to being part of a team that dedicates its Christmas time to reaching as many children as possible.

"Spending the lead up to Christmas learning Thai dancing, watching Thai staff dress as Santa Claus and partying on Christmas Eve with hundreds of excited children is not my usual Christmas agenda, but who could ask for a better one?"

CCD's Thai founder, Wasan Saenwian added: "We are so grateful that volunteers like Vicki share our vision to such an extent that they are prepared to spend time away from their families at this special time of year. We know that the children we care for really appreciate the input that enthusiastic volunteers bring."