A TEAM of explorers from the Vale of Evesham is set to embark on an epic trip across Africa to help orphans affected by HIV/Aids.

The team of six – Pershore College lecturers Jim Hidd-erley and Sharon Edwards, and Pershore resident and photographer Kevin Pugh, John Marshall, Paul Haw-kins and Helen Hickman – are hoping to raise £12,000 to take two specially adapted cars from the UK to Kericho in Kenya next July.

The trek has been organised by the Hope Springs charity, which has bought 12 acres of land on which to build an orphanage for children affected by HIV/Aids.

The vehicles are needed to transport staff and orphans from the new orphanage to the nearest town.

The charity has already bought and adapted a Tata pick-up truck and is now looking for a second, seven-seater vehicle less than eight years old.

Mr Pugh, who will be documenting the journey and the project, said: “Hopefully, this won’t be the only orphanage.

“We take for granted everything we’ve got here. Hope-fully, this will make somebody’s life a little easier.”

The team is holding a Christmas fair at Pershore College on December 5 from 10am to 2pm to raise funds.

For details or to donate, visit hopetrek.org.uk.