A TRAINEE PR man is collecting colouring books, crayons and money to help children in Thailand affected by the Boxing Day tsunami.

Ben Sewell, 28, of Ashley, near Ringwood, plans to fly out to Khao Lak, one of the worst-hit coastal areas, on September 3. He has arranged to assist in two local schools and an orphanage by teaching English and basic reading and writing skills.

Many children in the area lost their parents when the giant wave hit at the end of last year.

Ben was prompted to head east by the efforts of Bournemouth man Gary Corrie, who built a house for a family made homeless in Sri Lanka.

"I was talking with him and he inspired me with what he was doing. I finish my work placement at the end of August and don't go back to start the final year of my degree until October 3, so I wanted to something constructive to do with my time off."

Although local PR company Aylesworth Fleming is contributing towards the costs, Ben needs to raise £1,500 sponsorship.

"Since the tsunami I have wanted to understand the ways in which the people of Thailand are working in such fraught circumstances and offer what skills I have to benefit the communities affected," he explained.

"Recent reports show that 120,000 people lost their jobs in the tourist sector, not to mention hundreds of young children left orphaned by the disaster."

Ben has organised the trip through Southampton-based the Different Travel Company. "It's certainly going to be memorable," he said. Anyone who can help is asked to email by clicking here

Colouring books and crayons can be taken to the Littledown Centre in Bournemouth until August 18.

First published: August 17, 2005