A STUDENT is travelling to north-east India to help young people.

Alan Strickland, 18, has volunteered as an English teacher at the Denjong Padma Choeling Academy, near Darjeeling.

The academy provides free education to destitute children who would not otherwise be able to attend school.

Mr Strickland, from Newton Aycliffe, who left yesterday for his new post, said: "It will be a dramatic culture shock, and a fascinating experience. I just hope my work will make some sort of difference."

Work experience at a local primary school has helped Mr Strickland prepare for the trip.

He will spend two-and-a-half months at the school and will be teaching young people between seven and 17.

While the school is providing free accommodation and food, Mr Strickland has been fundraising to meet the costs of flights, equipment, immunisation and visas.

His previous experience of helping young people includes working for Changemakers North-East, supporting students and organising community projects, and children's rights organisation Investing in Children. In February he ran a workshop at a child poverty conference at HM Treasury.