Ref. 11869CRUDWELL rector's son Chris Raven talked about his adventures in the Belize jungle at a presentation in the town hall last night.

The 24-year-old MA student visited the central American country on a Trekforce expedition for two months to help build an arts and crafts centre.

Based at the village of Rancho Delores, 33-miles from Belize Town on the coast of the Caribbean Sea, Mr Raven had to contend with mosquitoes, torrential rains and an uncomfortable hammock during his stay.

But looking back since he returned in September he said it was a fantastic experience.

He said: "I love their way of life. They are very chilled out people. It was a very hot climate, we were sweating a lot and we were working hard but the people were fantastic."

The group of 60, including Mr Raven, were put through their paces in the rainforest for the first week of the trip.

They were taught how to set up their hammocks and survive in jungle conditions.

They were then split up into smaller groups and Mr Raven was put on his chosen mission to build the arts centre and platforms in the trees for backpackers to stay on.

He said people in Belize lived a very different life to people in the UK, and added: "What we did there means they will make a little more money."