THE heat of an African summer is beckoning for a trainee builder from Llandybie who is setting off on a 5,000-mile charity mission to Uganda.

Layton Davies, aged 23, will join other local tradesmen from TAD Builders Ltd and Betws-based TRJ Ltd to oversee the construction of a new maternity unit for poverty-stricken families in town of Kachumbala, close to the country’s western border with Kenya.

Far from the cosy life he shares with his girlfriend Chynna, Layton is preparing to work long shifts on the building site in the scorching sunshine of Kachumbala.

Staying in a ‘simple’ complex nearby, where electricity is intermittent, the former TRJ bricklayer and Ysgol Tregib pupil will spend two weeks on the project, where he will work with locals to pass on his trade skills and get hands-on with the build.

This will be Layton’s second visit to the village – his first, in 2014, saw him help build a mill and grain store for a widow’s farming cooperative, a project which won him and his teammates a national construction industry award, something he describes as ‘an amazing experience’.

“Everything is completely different over there,” he said.

“Here, getting materials for a job is a phonecall to the builder’s merchant, but over there we have to go in to the town and haggle for materials.It’s a bit of an eye-opener.

“I also had the privilege of being joined in the shower by a bat, which doesn’t tend to happen back home.

“I was nervous first time I went, as it was a step in to the unknown, but I’m looking forward to getting back out there – I only found out a few weeks ago.

“It will be hard work but I will enjoy it – it’s good to be doing something that will help the community over there, parts of it are really poor.”

Back in Carmarthenshire, Layton is one of the council’s five building cadets – a unique chance for qualified tradesmen to study for a foundation degree in construction management whilst being supported in employment.

“As a building cadet I work with the building services team, looking after property maintenance for houses and schools,” he said. “I’m around halfway through my degree now - I’d like to finish that and eventually become a building inspector with the council.”

Christina Harrhy, Director of Environment for Carmarthenshire County Council, has wished him well for his travels.

“It is great that Layton is able to use the skills that he has developed here in Carmarthenshire to really make a difference to the daily lives of those in Kachumbala,” she said.

“I’m sure he will find the work hard but really rewarding. I am so proud of Layton, he is a fantastic ambassador for the council.”

The project is being run by Engineers for Overseas Development (EFOD) Carmarthenshire, established by the local construction industry in 2012 to benefit communities in impoverished countries.

You can keep up with Layton by following his video diary of his trip. Check for updates on Newsroom and @CarmsCouncil on Twitter from February 25