TWO carers from The Old Parsonage Brendoncare Home in Otterbourne and a colleague from Winchester will travel to Sri Lanka next September to help the needy.

They will be working at the Pydiagama Home for Destitute Men and also raising money for Brendoncare, the Winchester-based care charity for older people, during their two-week stay.

Brendoncare's volunteering manager, Julie Lamont, from Lockerley, and carers Marilyn Medrano from Chandler's Ford and Nichola Bryant from Bursledon are part of a 10-strong Brendoncare team.

They will be tackling a variety of DIY projects to improve the structure and facilities at Pydiagama.

Sally Frame, home manager at The Old Parsonage, said: "I want to say a huge 'thank you' to Marilyn and Nichola. We are really proud of our two volunteers.

"The atmosphere in the home among staff, residents and relatives is really positive, and everyone is enjoying getting involved with fund-raising."

Brendoncare's acting head of fund-raising and volunteering, Emma Digance, added: "We are thrilled to be able to send a Brendoncare team off to Sri Lanka - this is a wonderful opportunity to raise money for Brendoncare while also helping dependent older people elsewhere in the world. Our thanks also to Julie Lamont for her commitment."

Each of the participants has to raise at least £2,650, which includes a £1,000 donation to Brendoncare, and a variety of fund-raising events are now underway.

Brendoncare would like to hear from anyone else prepared to take part in the Sri Lankan trip or any organisations or individuals who could offer sponsorship to the team.

To offer help, call Emma Digance on 01962 852133 or e-mail edigance@brendoncare.org.uk