Brothers Ron and Gary Bell will be taking part in Project Umubano in Rwanda next month to share their skills, knowledge and experience with local organisations.

Umubano means friendship and co-operation in the Kinyarwandan language and the idea behind the project is that it aids independence, involving volunteers to work alongside Rwandans and help in the regeneration of the country and its infrastructure.

The pair are looking for donations to help cover their costs and the costs associated with the projects they will be working on while out there.

Ron Bell said: "Many of us will, I'm sure, remember all too vividly the terrible reports of genocide that took place in Rwanda in 1994 and which led to the deaths of over 800,000 people.

"However, since the end of the civil war, Rwanda has made truly extraordinary progress, the country is at peace and the economy is stable and growing.

"Poverty is falling. Most Rwandans are farmers but there is insufficient land for many to make a living and feed their families.

"But there is hope. The people of Rwanda know what future they want and they are working hard towards that future."

Ron will be working with the Rwandan Government in setting up a Department of Tourism and Gary will be working with local hospitals and an local orphanage in Kigali. They set off on July 25.

Anyone who is interested in sponsoring the brothers can email them at lowcockbell@btinternet.com