PERSONNEL from RAF Leeming were among UK forces who gave young orphans a fund and stimulating place to play while on deployment to Lithuania.

Members of 135 Expeditionary Air Wing currently operating out of Siauliai Air Base, Lithuania, used their skills and labour in their free time to create the facility featuring a ball pool, colours and textures for children aged up to six years.

A project to replace the roof and flooring of a sun-shelter started when personnel wanted to donate money raised from collecting plastic water bottles to a good cause.

They heard about the Siauliai City Newborns Orphanage, which houses children whose parents are unable to look after them for reasons ranging from extreme financial hardship to substance abuse.

A visit to the orphanage revealed the poor condition of the sun shelter, so the volunteers decided to put the skills of the Army’s Royal Engineers Army to good use.

Materials for the build were funded through activities including sponsored fitness challenges, a run, bacon sale and sales of bracelets and keyrings made from parachute cord.

There was enough money raised to fit a new roof and a customised floor to contain several small play areas.

Flight Lieutenant Sarah Alderton, who usually serves as an Operations Officer at RAF Leeming, said: “It was great to see everyone pulling together for such a brilliant cause – everyone got involved in helping raise the money initially and then making the project happen on site.

“Due to everyone’s efforts we smashed our original fundraising targets.”