A CORSTON couple left behind their home comforts to work for eight days in a Kenyan orphanage for children with HIV.

Parish councillor Tim Inwards, of Sunny Banks, worked as an engineer maintaining the orphanage's five vehicles and the generator.

His wife Maureen, a business woman, helped with child care and kitchen duties.

The orphanage at Nyumbani, outside Nairobi, has 70 children aged from six months to 18 years, all HIV positive.

They were either orphans, or abandoned by parents who were themselves HIV positive.

"We were privileged to be asked to visit Kenya on a working holiday at the orphange, which was set up by a Jesuit priest," said Mrs Inwards.

"There was a well organised, wonderful caring staff but they were running hand to mouth. It was a unique opportunity to give a small amount of time and effort to a worthwhile cause.

"There is no money for AIDS treatment but the children receive a healthy diet to help their immune system. The environment is very happy and the children are so well loved and cared for, but most will die of secondary ailments.

"There is also an outreach programme that tries to educate 60 families in their own homes. They support them by making sure they have the right diet."

After their working holiday the couple spent three days on safari in the Masai Mara game reserve before flying home.

Donations can be made through Nyumbani (UK) ltd. Contact (01732) 520111 for more information.