CHILDREN and staff living in a crumbling orphanage in Bulgaria are looking forward to a brighter future, thanks to a group of businesses from the Okehampton area.

Provadia Girls Orphanage was due to close after the building started to fall down earlier this year.

While out in Bulgaria, Andrew Morgan, manager from OK Leisure and director of the charity House of Rachel, was told about the state of the orphanage and the plight of the youngsters living there.

Mr Morgan said: 'Around six years ago I went to Bulgaria with a team from another charity, it all started from there really.

'I came home and asked a few people if they could help and before too long a team got together.

'There has just been such an excellent response from so many businesses and individuals.

'We set up a fund through Okehampton Baptist Church for people to donate, which so far has raised £4,000.

'The main aim is to provide a safe place for children.

'We visit regularly to keep in contact with the children and the directors.'

Mr Morgan said he was looking forward to getting started on the renovation project.

He said: 'We are going out for one week to do phase one, which will be to start work on upgrading bedrooms, new washrooms and toilet facilities.

'The windows have metal grills on them making the orphanage feel a bit like a prison.

'One of our jobs will be to remove the grills and help to make the place feel more like a home.

'We won't know anymore until we get out there, but then we can come back and have a better idea of what else needs to be done.'

The team who are taking on the work are, Andy Ewen from Okehampton Glass, father and son partners Phil and Matt Dennis from PHJ Dennis & Son Builders, Bob Chapman from Bob Chapman Builders, partner at Enderson Phillips Electrical Contractors Louis Enderson, director of Drinkmaster UK Jon Stepto, sales representative at Delonghi, Chris Luxtonin addition to Mr Morgan.

Support has also come from Mole Avon, which has offered a tank of diesel to help with transport costs and Jewsons and Howdens, who have offered building materials and tools.

Help has also come from Okehampton Rotary Club, who donated £380, Sierra Windows, West Country Glass and Balsdon Vehicle Services (BSV), who have donated a minibus to take the team up to Gatwick.

Okehampton resident and retired taxi driver, Bob Taylor, will be driving the minibus to and from Gatwick airport.

The next fundraiser involves Mr Morgan and Dartmoor Rescue Group volunteer, Roger Thorne, from Okehampton Glass, who will tackle the Three Peaks Challenge up Ben Nevis, Scafel Pike and Snowdon in 24 hours.

The challenge will take place on Wednesday, April 28.

Okehampton Round Table have sponsored £250 towards the challenge.

Mr Morgan will also be taking a group of 20 Year 12 students from Okehampton College to work in the Orphanages in July 2010.

The trip is not directly related to saving the orphanage, but forms part of the wider work the charity is involved in.

The team of businesses will make their Bulgarian trip on Friday, May 14.

Donations can be made at OK Leisure.