TWO friends on a round-the-world trip have stopped to help build shelters for orphans made homeless by the Asian tsunami.

Friends and family in Teesdale have raised money to help Darran Tunstall, from Bowes, and Rebecca Murdoch, from Barnard Castle, County Durham, buy supplies and equipment to help Sri Lankan children affected by the disaster.

The two 24-year-olds were in Australia when the giant wave hit countries in Asia, on Boxing Day. They both felt they needed to help and a few days later flew to Sri Lanka to join in the relief effort.

While in Sri Lanka, they were moved inland when there was a warning of a second tsunami.

It was after the move that they came across the work with orphans done by the Chuay-kan project.

Since then, Mr Tunstall, a freelance designer, and Miss Murdoch, who wants to train as a teacher, have been desperately building shelters for the children before the monsoon season starts.

Mr Tunstall's mother, Jean, said: "They felt they had skills that they could use to help the orphans and wanted to do something. I'm really proud of them both.

"People in Teesdale have raised about £1,000, which we've sent out to them.

"It's gone directly to benefit the orphans. A lot of money from the bigger charities is getting held up, but that money went straight into buying concrete for the shelters.

"They're both really enjoying it. I think they'd bring back a few of the children if they could!"

The pair are to stay in Sri Lanka for another few weeks before flying home.

To find out more about the Chuay-kan project, or to make a donation, visit the website at www.chuay-kan.com