A TEENAGER is part of a team of students planning to spend two weeks working in a Nepalese orphanage.

Kieran Thompson, 16, of Beverley Gardens, Chilton, flies out to the Himalayan country midway through October.

He is one of 18 students and two teachers from the Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, Darlington, travelling to southern Asia.

They will work in an orphanage close to the capital of Kathmandu where they will build facilities like accommodation and toilet blocks.

Many of the growing number of youngsters in the orphanage were previously street children who were taken in.

They will also take out basic items such as toothbrushes and toothpaste, clothing, sports equipment and teaching materials.

Mr Thompson, who is studying politics, English, geography and economics, said: “I’m looking forward to it.

“It’s a different culture and that fascinates me. I go on holiday all over the place and I want to travel the world.”

The students each had to raise £2,200 to go to Nepal and they have held fundraising activities.

So far they have run items such as cake sales, bag packing and bungee jumping, while a ball held at Headlam Hall Hotel, at Gainford, near Darlington, raised £3,000.

Anyone wishing to donate to help cover Mr Thompson’s costs can reach him on 07588802780.