A THIRTEEN-strong team are heading to Brazil to help orphans and improve sanitation in a poverty-stricken area.

The members from Salt Church in St Georges Road, are raising money to build houses and refurbish an orphanage with a new educational block.

The Uberlandia region of Brazil is renowned for its dire sanitation and street children who are victims of drug-addicted parents and the sex trade.

Mike Ormrod, team leader and social worker said: "This is my third time I have been out to Brazil where we have helped orphans, families and prisoners in the poverty-stricken region. We have a strong link with the local church.

"We are appealing to anyone who can donate money to help us get out there and make a difference.

"People who donate will receive pictures of the work we have done and can watch a live video feed to the work sites every day via the internet.

"You will actually be able to see the children and families your money has directly helped."

Each house will cost £1,200 to build and will replace the plastic sheets and wood the people are living under now.

The group is hoping to raise a minimum of £7,500 and each team member needs to raise £1,200 to cover costs and contribute to the donations.

Mr Ormrod said: "We will be out there for two weeks and we hope to raise enough money so that the church we are liaising with will be able to continue the work when we have gone."

The team leaves for Brazil on March 15, and returns on March 29.

To donate to the group, call Mr Ormrod on 07760 197 686.