A RAYLEIGH man is embarking on a six-month mission to South Africa to help poor and sick people.

Luke Chadwick is part of a 16-strong team of volunteers who will be working with a community on behalf of Scripture Union, an international mission movement that operates with churches in more than 140 countries.

The former Seevic College student will be based in Port Shepstone and is there to teach local children, including Aids orphans, as well as run children's camps, take classes in schools and learn about living in a different culture. Mr Chadwick said: "I'm really looking forward to it. I want to help bring joy to the children and young people who I meet."

Elizabeth Fewker, who organises the placements for Scripture Union, said: "It's wonderful to see the changes in volunteers when they return.

"They leave expecting to give so much, but when they come back they realise how much they have been transformed themselves."

Published Tuesday, January 17, 2006