A SUPER fundraiser hopes to rebuild four schools in an earthquake hit district of Nepal to keep children in education and away from ruthless people traffickers.

Hugh Stephenson is helping the charity Childreach International replace schools in the Sindhupalchok district which was one of the areas worst affected by devastating earthquakes in April and May.

Mr Stephenson, from Spennymoor, County Durham, said: “In the UK we see schools as a safe learning environment, for Nepalese children safety is one of the biggest things about a school.

“A child in education is 80 per cent less likely to be trafficked.

“Traffickers will approach vulnerable families who have lost their home and loved ones and promise their children a better future, in sheer desperation some take the money offered but the reality is many girls end up in prostitution and the boys close to slave labour.”

The ‘Hugh’s Build a School in Nepal’ campaign could take the 53-year-old’s fundraising to £250,000 as he has supported many causes, particularly brass bands, throughout his adult life.

The inspiration for his latest cash crusade came from a colleague in Durham County Council’s public health team, Dr Mike Lavender.

Dr Lavender, from Morpeth, and his wife Sue, have given most of their spare time over the last 35 years to helping the people of Nepal.

The 62-year-old said: “There is something special about the Nepalese people- they have such resilience, they are desperately poor but fiercely independent.”

Mr Stephenson and Dr Lavender plan to visit Nepal next April for the anniversary of the earthquake and will visit the schools which are likely to be taking shape by then.

Dr Lavender said: "People have forgotten about the Nepal earthquake but it has really only just begun, next year we'll see and tell people who gave money how much difference it will make."

To boost the campaign coffers, Mr Stephenson has called on 40 friends from brass bands across the region to perform in a concert with guest conductor Alan Morrison and soloist Jim Hayes.

Proceeds will be shared between the Nepal campaign and Spennymoor Town Mayor Cllr Pat Lawton’s appeal in aid of Dementia Friends and Papyrus prevention of young suicide charity. He also did the Great North Run to raise funds.

Every £2,500 he raises will pay for a semi-permanent school to provide a broad education and decent daily meal for 60 children and host family education and health projects.

The concert will be at Spennymoor Town Hall on Saturday, October 17, at 7.30pm. Tickets are £6 from the venue, on 01388-815276 or Mr Stephenson on 07951-642180. For details about the charity visit childreach.org.uk