Two bestfriends are getting ready to set off globetrotting this autumn, but they will be heading in very different directions.

Both Alex Webb, from Shenfield, and Tom Walsh, from Mountnessing, have been selected to take part in international volunteer schemes organised by charity Project Trust.

But, while Alex is flying out to Sri Lanka, his Campion School colleague will be jetting in to China.

Alex will be working in schools in remote rural villages where he will be teaching English to seven to 16-year-olds.

While in Sri Lanka he has the opportunity to help out in the local hospital or nursery in his spare time. He has also been offered the chance to work in an elephant sanctuary in his holidays.

Alex, 17, said: "The reason I have chosen Sri Lanka is due to its diverse cultural background, natural beauty and the character and generosity typical of the people."

Meanwhile, Tom is getting ready for his expedition to China's Guangdong province - just north of Hong Kong. Again he will be working in a rural community o9ffering many contrasts to life in the UK.

He said: "I will be teaching underprivileged kids in that area for a year. It will be a chance to go and see a different way of life and experience a different culture."

To be selected for Project Trust both Alex and Tom had to travel up to the remote Isle of Coll off the west of Scotland for a selection weekend.

To support their challenge call Tom on 352258 or Alex on 01277 212588.

Published Tuesday January 20, 2004

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