Four young Scots in care flew out to the Himalayas last week to help villagers build and install a new water system. They were part of an original group of 18 children in care who travelled 12,000 miles to Nepal last November to trek in the mountain range.

Seventeen-years-olds Willie Ryan from North Ayrshire, Leigh Fraser and James McDonald from Aberdeenshire and Gemma Stewart from East Ayrshire will dig trenches to allow fresh-water pipes to be laid into the mountain village of Chiti Tilahar. Each one has raised more than #163;1,600 for the trip. They will be accompanied by 10 care workers and supporters to help build the new water system for the village.

Who Cares? Scotland, the charity which provides advocacy and support for looked-after young people, organised the original treks. Chief executive Heather Gay said: “It says a lot for these four young people to want to return and give something back to the people of Nepal. They had an amazing experience first time round and it provided them with a completely different perspective on their lives.”

Willie Ryan from Ardrossan said: “We saw the conditions in the village last year and can’t wait to get started. The lack of running water means the children of the village suffer poverty, disease and infection.”