A SPECIAL needs teacher is heading to the Philippines with her twin daughters this summer to help children in schools and orphanages.

It is a second trip to the country for Eileen Langtree, from York, who last summer spent two weeks helping to train teachers in a school for homeless families in the capital Manila, and in an orphanage in the north of the country.

But this year Ms Langtree will be joined by her twin daughters Lydia and Katie, pupils at Manor CE Academy in York, who want to help with their mother's work in the country.

She said: "The girls want to work with the children in the orphanage, doing art projects, drama and support work.

"It will be an exciting adventure, and it will be really good for them to see how other people live.

"People in the Philippines have absolutely nothing but they are so grateful for anything you can give them. Education is the way out for them - it's a choice between scavenging for plastic to recycle and going to school - and school is not free."

This year Ms Langtree will help train the teachers in special needs work.

"They have no concept of children having special needs. Last year I saw children with autism, but the teachers didn't know how to deal with it."

The trio need to raise £3,500 to fund their trip, and are holding a ten hour "danceathon" at St Mary's Church in Strensall on Monday, May 25, to help raise the cash.

They would also welcome support or donations of art materials and school resources, and specialist equipment for children with special needs.

Contact eileen.langtree@btinternet.com