TWO dedicated teenagers have raised enough money to build houses for families in the Philippines left homeless after Typhoon Haiyan hit the country more than two years ago.

Heather Page and Amelia Thomas have organised a number of fundraising activities, including hosting dinner parties, to raise enough money to complete two family homes and are on the way to securing enough cash for a third.

Later this month, the two year ten Egglescliffe School students will visit Bantayan Island in the Philippines to see for themselves the houses they have helped to build, before handing them over to local families.

The dynamic duo are also hoping to take hundreds of solar-powered lights with them dependant on the generosity of Teesside businesses.

Heather said: “Many places hit by the typhoon still don’t have mains power after 6pm and solar lights would be a big help to families. We may take electricity for granted, but it isn’t easy in a country like the Philippines.”

Amelia added: “If any shops in the area that stock solar lights would be willing to donate some to us, we would be extremely grateful. We hope to ‘light up’ dozens of homes in Bantayan Island that have no night-time electricity with simple garden solar lights.”

With the help of their fathers, Boro match day announcer Mark Page, and Icon Plastics boss Gareth Thomas, all of the money raised by the girls has gone directly to the local tradespeople and carpenters who are building the homes.

Mr Thomas said: “Not many young people take it upon themselves to make a positive difference in the world and they’ve worked very hard to get this far.”

Anyone wanting to donate solar lights should email: gareth@iconplastics.co.uk

Donations to the project can be made up to May 25 at www.youcaring.com/bantayan-island-familes-philippines-519627