A HOLSWORTHY man is off to East Africa later this year to help young entrepreneurs set up businesses that will provide continued support for their communities.

Matthew Taylor, 21, who attended Holsworthy Primary and Holsworthy Community College before going to university in York, will spend 10 to 12 weeks in either Kenya or Uganda, setting off in early October to return around Christmas.

Matthew signed up to the International Citizens Service (ICS) and was offered a placement with Balloon Ventures (BV), funded by UK Government Aid.

To take his place on the journey, he needs to raise £800.

Matthew said: "I suppose my main reason for wanting to partake is that this scheme is out of the ordinary in that it isn't focused on handing out aid, but more about using Government aid money to kick-start local people into creating their own wealth and helping the whole community — a case of a little making a lot!

"I am both anxious and excited to take part in this thrilling and worthwhile venture, however, with the fantastic support of both ICS and BV, I am certain that this will be an experience that will have an enormous and lasting impact on communities which do not have the good fortune that some of us in the United Kingdom have."

To find out more and to donate, visit the website http://www.justgiving.com/matthewjtaylor">www.justgiving.com/matthewjtaylor

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.