Mayor of Tring Mike James bade bon voyage to the group from Tring Team Parish, which is made up of five churches in the area, before they left for Kyrgyzstan.

He met with the volunteers, ranging from a Tring School student to a church reverend, during a special service at St Peter and St Paul Church in High Street, Tring.

They are working with the charity Habitat Humanity to help people in the community build secure homes for themselves.

Mr James said: "The group is really enthusiastic. There is a whole age range taking part, there are some young people and some people who are heading into middle age.

"The project has been amazingly well supported by the town. A lot of local businesses are financial contributors. It really is Tring coming together and going out and doing something good in the world."

The country, which borders China and Kazakhstan, became independent in 1991 with the collapse of the Soviet Union but poverty is rife and overcrowding is a major problem.

It is hoped that this initial trip by volunteers will pave the way for future visits over the next five years.

So far £20,000 has been raised for the project including sponsorship from individuals and businesses.

To donate money or tools email kyrgzstan@tirngteamparish.org.uk or write to Kyrgzstan Project, 31 Nathaniel Walk, Tring, HP23 5DG. Cheques should be made payable to Tring PCC.


KYRGYZSTAN FACTFILE.

Population: around 5.3million

Capital: Bishkek

Languages: Kyrgyz and Russian

Major religions: Islam and Christianity

Currency: Som