A caring Mansfield teenager has made a difference to underprivileged communities thousands of miles away in Asia.

Samuel Hickling, who is studying for his A-Levels at The Brunts Academy, worked with local people as well as four other students and a teacher from Brunts on projects in Cambodia.

And the 17-year-old, who self-funded his trip by washing cars, tutoring maths, taking part in a sponsored walk over the Yorkshire Three Peaks — Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent — and giving a presentation to Mansfield Rotary Club, said he had learnt a lot from his adventure.

“We helped some of the most underprivileged communities in rural Cambodia by building wells, toilets and chicken coops; crafting cement water jars; laying the foundations for a school; carrying out reforestation; and reinforcing a dam,” he said.

“The work was focused around improving sanitation, providing a source of income and water collection to see the people through the dry season.

“I believe the most notable of our projects was building the chicken coop because it allowed us to work side by side with the local people who were all very welcoming and friendly.

“The coop ensured a source of income for the family so that they could afford to send their daughter to school and not make her work in the rice fields.

“We felt so passionately about the project that we, as a group, clubbed together and bought the family 10 chickens and a rooster to give them a good start.”

Samuel said he had gone to Cambodia because it was an opportunity to make a real difference to other people’s lives as well as learn about the country’s rich culture – and the highs and lows of its history.

He added: “I felt one of the key lessons I have learned from the trip is just how fortunate we are in the UK.

“It has taught me never to waste water, nor take it for granted, as Cambodia spends half of its year with little rain.

“It was eye opening to see and experience how some people in Cambodia live, which only further motivated me to want to do more to help, as I donated medicines and my clothes to the local school when I left.

“I would sum up my experiences in Cambodia as truly life affirming. It feels like I have developed as a person because of this trip and I would recommend anyone who has the chance to make even just a little change to better the lives of others to take it.”