Dylan Roberts says he wants to make a difference in the world. So he's going to Africa. Richard Brugger meets a man with a mission

Dylan, 25, is determined to bring some relief to the suffering people of Africa.

He has joined an aid agency and by August will be flying off to a country such as Mozambique, to help out on various projects which will enhance the life of local people.

Dylan, from Knowle Street, Denholme, says: "I have spent the last seven years as a traveller around England, Europe and Ireland. Now I want to make a difference with my life.

"I want to do something to help people in the world who aren't a tenth as lucky as we are. Whatever we do out there makes a huge difference to those people. They need our help and support.

"There are towns in Africa the size of Denholme where two-thirds of the population have HIV.

"As voluntary workers we can make a big difference."

The former pupil of Denholme First and Parkside Middle schools has enrolled with the Danish aid organisation Humana People to People, and will spend two months training at a college in Hull. From there he will be posted to a country in Africa for six months where he will help organise building projects with local people.

"It is a really good mix at the college with people from all over Europe and all ages studying there," he says. "The college is run by the students with the tutors providing guidance and support when necessary."

On his return to this country, Dylan and his fellow aid workers will pass on their experience and expertise to the next group of workers preparing to fly out. After that he hopes to join the ranks of full-time emergency aid workers who fly off to crisis areas across the globe at a moment's notice.

His ambition has the backing of his proud parents Jean and Frank, who are well known figures around Denholme.

Dylan has to fund the trip himself and he has already applied for the Rupert and Felix Greenwood scholarship. The scholarship was set up in memory of the two brothers who died in the Bradford City Football Club fire. The fund is available to young people in the village.

If he receives the award, it will be particularly fitting for Dylan, who was a classmate of Rupert.

To top up his funds he will also have the opportunity to travel to Denmark or Germany to raise more cash towards his expedition.

Anyone who would like to help sponsor Dylan's work can telephone him on 0421 362993.

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