A BUDE instructor is raising awareness of the importance of education in India following her eye-opening experiences while volunteering.

Averil Pocock, aged 21, travelled to Tamil Nadu, south India, in January, with a number of other volunteers from the UK working with International Citizen Service (ICS).

ICS is a global volunteering experience which aims to make a real difference to some of the world's poorest people.

She headed off on January 9 for three months (as previously reported in the 'Post') and despite training before the trip, nothing prepared her for some of the sights and experiences she encountered. Hot weather (highs of 35C), different culture and new surroundings were some of the ways Averil had to adjust to.

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