A GROUP of students from Swindon College have been helping to change the lives of people in The Gambia.

The 11-strong team, who are all studying construction, have just returned from the trip to tiny west African country, where they worked on two important projects.

The students, painters and decorators, plumbers, carpenters and bricklayers, raised the money for the trip themselves, through sponsorship and other fundraising activities.

They were based in a village near the town of Gunjur, which is twinned with Marlborough.

The village, which is about 30 miles from the capital Banjul, has no electricity and the only source of water is from wells.

The group assisted with the refurbishment and repair of the Gunjur Community Pre-School building.

This year's visit followed a similar trip in February last year when a group fitted a new roof, which enabled the pre-school to open for business and there are now 130 pupils.

Work undertaken included the fitting of a suspended ceiling, a room divider, shelving, display boards and internal and external painting and decorating.

Ashley Gooch, 20, of Coving-ham, worked on the ceiling of the pre-school.

"The people there were amazing" he said.

"They opened their hearts and welcomed us into their homes."

And Ashley said he would like to return to the Gambia to help with the projects again.

He said: "I learnt a lot. I have found out that I can be independent and that I can count on the support of the group and they can rely on my support."

The other project helped with the development of tourist accommodation at a local lodge, Woulaba Garden.

This will help the local community build on the potential employment and revenue benefits of tourism.

The students assisted with adding basic plumbing to guest rooms, a perimeter wall and the rebuilding of the kitchen and restaurant following storm damage.

Bricklaying student, Kevin Theobald, 30, of Abbey Meads, worked on the perimeter wall.

"I loved the whole experience," he said.

"We learnt so much from the local people - they have limited tools and resources but they just get on with life.

"I have a much better understanding of different cultures now and I take less things for granted here."

The group also raised money to cover the equipment and building materials required.

Pearce Group donated £4,000 towards the trip and supplied personal protective equipment for the students and the Swindon Youth Bank also made a generous donation.