A college lecturer from Clayton-le-Moors will volunteer at an orphanage in Moldova this summer to learn more about childcare in a developing country.

Ian Halstead, a health and social care lecturer at Burnley College sixth form centre, will spend a fortnight based at the small children's rehabilitation centre in the Moldovan capital Chisinau as well as at a Save the Children summer camp.

The small children’s rehabilitation centre is home to 200 children, from babies to five-year-olds, many handicapped because of the Chernobyl disaster. Many are also victims of child trafficking.

Ian, 31, admitted: "I think it will be a culture shock, but I am looking forward to spending time with the children and hopefully improving their quality of life.

"Due to a lack of staff at the orphanage, the children often don't have any playtime or personal attention other than being fed, dressed or washed.

"In the month that I am there, I aim to give them as much positive attention as possible and help them to develop."

Teaching staff at the sixth form centre are encouraged to continue their professional development and update their real-life knowledge of their sector through placements.

Ian added: "I chose Moldova because it is relatively unknown as a country and the opportunity sounded varied and challenging in many ways due to it being a former communist country.

"The project sounded very worthwhile, making a real difference to children’s lives and it makes you realise how much we take for granted."