TWO teenagers from Teesside raised cash to build three homes on a small Philippines island for families devastated by a 2013 typhoon.

And the Egglescliffe school students Heather Page and Amelia Thomas have just returned from a visit to see first-hand the results of their fundraising endeavours.

They raised the money to build the homes on Bantayan island, giving people there long-term shelter and security for the future. Many families are living in temporary shelters after losing their homes during Typhoon Haiyan in 2013.

The philanthropic pair of students even got stuck in helping install the roof and painting the exterior in order to finish off the last home.

Miss Thomas said: “It was fantastic to see the houses actually completed after working so hard fundraising. I’m pleased that we were able to make a positive impact on the lives of people who live so far away.”

The girls also visited a nearby islet which has no mains electricity apart with the exception of the school, which has a generator. They brought 100 solar lights all the way from Teesside, purchased using funds they raised themselves, to light up local homes.

Miss Page said: “There’s no electricity on the island, so it was great to be able to hand out the solar lights. Everyone who we have approached about donating lights has been really supportive and we've just sent over another £300 worth, thanks to a donation from Icon Plastics.”

Mark Page, Middlesbrough FC matchday announcer and father of Heather, said: “It was inspiring fundraising by the girls. Handing over the houses to the families on location in the Philippines was an important moment for them.

"I am very proud of the work done by Heather and Amelia, especially as they are both just 15."