SPARSHOLT Cricket Club's vice-captain Jon Vokes has travelled to Nepal to help repair the damage caused by a devastating earthquake last year.

Accompanied by his girlfriend Kelly Douglas, the pair have joined the All Hands Volunteer Organisation to build new houses for the many Nepalese people that have been left homeless.

Kelly, 23, works at the Winchester branch of Sydenhams builders merchant and has taken a month's leave to help out.

Manager Colin Waite has given the pair a number of items to use whilst working in the dusty earthquake sites, including masks, goggles, and general safety equipment.

Jon, 26, said: "After being here for three weeks we have made a huge difference to the landscape of the Bansbari region of Melamchi.

"We have completed our task to build 50 houses and 50 toilets. We now have 200 rubble sites to finish and this will take up half of April.

"Each day we are split into teams of rubble, foundation, structure, roof and walls. Toilets are also a select team and they complete all their tasks themselves as the structure is smaller.

"We have to use the traditional method of Sherpa baskets on the back, fixed to the top of the head by a strap. It is always great fun to Sherpa and there is a fantastic reward in providing so many sites."

The couple are based at Sindhupalchowk, six hours by bus from Nepal's capital Katmandu.

Volunteers are split into working parties to carry out different tasks depending upon needs and any skillsets they have.

If you would like to make a donation to help the charity, visit www.give.hands.org.