Mark Shelton is heading to Sri Lanka to build homes for families left devastated by the tsunami.

The 42-year-old driver from Clayton flew out on Saturday to join volunteers and charity workers on the massive mission.

He will be based in Hikkaduwa in the south where the fishing industry and shoreline homes were wiped out.

He won the place on the trip after bosses at Serco, which runs education services in Bradford, appealed for volunteers.

His name went before a panel of judges and they awarded him the place on the trip of a lifetime.

Father-of-two Mark said: "There was a strong feeling that as well as giving money, people actually wanted to do something physically to help.

"I have been warned about the mosquitoes and the humidity but I am looking forward to just being there and helping. I don't have building qualifications but I can supply manpower and energy.

"Many people lost their livelihoods and their homes where we are going, and we are helping them back on their feet."

He will be teaming up with 48 other Serco employees from around the country and helped by the charities at the scene.

The town he is visiting is a three-hour drive from Colombo airport and the group expects to pass the scene where 1,500 people died when the waves derailed a train.

"They have left a single carriage there as a memorial to the people who died, which will be very moving," he said.

"I am an emotional person but I always say I believe life has qualified me for the task and given me an inner desire to do this."

Mark drives for Bolling Special School and Whetley Day Centre and has raised £900 in sponsorship for the trip, which will go on building materials.

He received donations from friends and customers at Bradford Bulls where he runs the Pavillion Bar.

On his entry form when asked why he should go he put: "I can't do everything but I can do something. I am one, but still I am one."

He added: "As soon as I entered I thought this would be me - and that's a feeling I don't get when I do the lottery every Saturday!"