A DURHAM-based charity has sent a team to undertake community work in India.

The I-connect charity sent an 18-strong group to Udaipur and surrounding villages in the Rajasthan area on Sunday, January 3.

Most will spend two weeks in India, with some staying for longer.

The volunteers, aged 18 to over 60, include doctors, nurses, leaders of Emmanuel Church Durham, teachers and others.

Some will run clinics in slum areas and remote villages, supporting poor communities struggling to access medical care.

Others will work with children in Christian-run schools and orphanages or with Indian church leaders.

A scheme to import puppets, linked to providing tailoring training for Indian women, will also be developed.

I-connect was established in 2008 to support community and educational work in Udaipur.

Trustee Mark Speller said: "The trustees of I-connect have been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and generosity of the team members who are travelling at their own cost."

Reports from the trip will be posted at: connectindia.wordpress.com