A local fundraiser is calling for sponsorship to bring one of the familiar sights of India to the streets of Malvern.

Lorraine Page, who will travel to Bangalore in March, is hoping to attract sponsorship to bring back a motorised rickshaw for a fund- raising trip from Land's End to John O' Groats.

The proceeds would go towards her on-going project to provide medical care for people in India.

Mrs Page's work in the sub-continent began in 1992, when she realised that for many people there, getting medical care was simply impossible.

She launched the Bangalore Hospice Appeal with co-founder Rita Zacchi, funding construction of a 50-bed cancer hospice. Her latest project, in conjunction with local trust, the Janeve foundation, has resulted in the construction of a hospice for victims of HIV and AIDS.

Mrs Page, a welfare officer at Worcester College of Technology, said: "People with HIV are the new lepers of India, people are scared of them and just don't understand the illness. The help we offer may be small but it's much needed. There are more than 43,000 AIDS victims in Bangalore alone."

Mrs Page is keen to point out that well-wishers in Malvern have helped a great deal.

"People have been brilliant," she said. "They have donated money or saved things like medical dressings, which are invaluable. People don't realise that even the smallest things make a difference.

"Anyone who wants to help can come out in March - it's a life changing experience."

Anyone wishing to contribute, or join the mission, should contact Mrs Page on 01684 564084.