After months of fundraising, 20 youngsters and their leaders from the Third Slough Girl Guides travelled to Kathmandu for two weeks over the Easter holidays to help children out there.

However, on hearing news of the earthquake disaster on Saturday (25/4), the girls are already planning ways in which they can assist.

Dr Lesley Ashton, Guide leader, said: “We want to wait until the media interest subsides and then see what help is needed to rebuild things like playgrounds or providing equipment. We’re thinking on a long-term basis to help rebuild the country.” The group has been sponsoring the education of Nepalese girls since 2007 - sponsoring five girls a year most recently - and they raised £20,00 for their trip over Easter to fund the visit, continue the sponsorship and to be able to take gifts and craft activities with them.

While they were there, they painted six school classrooms, created murals on the walls and repainted the outdoor play equipment and all the benches and tables that the children sit at. The group also visited a HIV/Aids centre.

Dr Ashton said: “It was good to see our girls interacting with these children, not holding back or being concerned about their illness.” The Guide leader explained that they have contingency money left over from the trip in case of emergencies which they can put towards a new effort in helping the country and they will be holding a cake sale today (Friday).