Edward Padgett will spend two weeks at the home in southern Ukraine, where he will carry out much-needed repair work on toilet and bathroom facilities.

The trip has been organised by Preston-based charity International Aid Trust, and all of the materials needed for the work have been donated by James Hargreaves (Plumbers Merchants) Ltd.

Edward, director of Arthur Padgett Ltd, said: "I want to say a big thank you to James Hargreaves. Every time I go on one of these trips, they supply all the materials I need completely free of charge, without hesitation.

"This time, we are taking toilets, wash basins and shower units with us, and the aim is to get through as much repair work as possible during the two weeks.

"The plumbing system over there is in a shocking state, so anything we can do to improve it is of major benefit. We are going to be working on some disabled facilities at a holiday home for orphans.

"Basically, it's used by orphanages from all over the Ukraine, and while the children are there they are kitted out with new clothes and get checked over by dentists and doctors."

Mr Gordon Rothwell, managing director of James Hargreaves Ltd, said: "When we heard about the amazing work Edward and the International Aid Trust do, we were keen to help them in any way we could."

Edward, who is set to make his fifth trip to the Ukraine in May, added: "When I got involved initially I thought it was going to be a one-off, but I now look forward to going every two years. It's a pleasure to do your bit to help and once you've been there, you realise just how worthwhile it is."