A GROUP of young volunteers from Asia are flying thousands of miles to help out with community projects in a Gwent valley.

Nine people aged between 18 and 25 from Kazakhstan, in central Asia, are coming to Torfaen for 12 weeks this summer.

They will be living in Torfaen from May to August and volunteering with various community organisations throughout the region.

The theme of the exchange is disability and youth work, and the volunteers will be paired up with nine others from across the UK.

The scheme, run by Vountary Service Overseas, Community Service Volunteering and the British Council, aims to promote international understanding between the two countries, as well as give practical help to Torfaen communities. Tom Smith, the project supervisor, said: "Torfaen was a region specifically chosen by the CSV because there is a strong voluntary sector here.

"As well as the community work this will allow the volunteers to experience Welsh life. They can get involved in Torfaen's Communities First areas and work on the Blaenavon World Heritage site."

Each week the team will hold an educational activity day where local people and organisations can come and speak to the Kazak volunteers and learn more about the culture of Wales and Kazakhstan.

Torfaen council leader Bob Wellington praised the scheme.

"We are very supportive of this project and its aims," he said.

"We will welcome these visitors wholeheartedly and will do everything we can to make their stay in Torfaen worthwhile. I think it is a brilliant idea, and one that the council will pro-actively support."

Project organisers are appealing for Torfaen people to help accommodate the visitors in their homes.

Mr Smith said: "This gives the volunteers a chance to experience the culture and life of Wales first hand, as well as giving hosts a fascinating chance to learn more about Kazakhstan."

Anyone can be a host; young or old, families or single people, with a small flat or large house.

Hosts will need to provide a secure room for a pair of volunteers, who will help with household tasks. VSO will offer £75 per week to cover expenses and will provide full insurance.

* Call Tom Smith on 07968 099775, e-mail tom.smith@vso.org.uk, or visit CSV in Portland Buildings, Commercial Street, Pontypool, if you can help.