A night at the races has boosted the funding of an Ammanford schoolboy who is set to travel to Myanmar to teach English.

Ammanford Lions Club recently held a Race Night at the Miners Hall and raised £550 towards Ysgol Dyffryn Aman pupil Ben Davies’ year abroad.

At the end of July, Ben will embark on a journey to Myanmar, formerly Burma, where he will be working directly with deprived Burmese communities.

He will be teaching English where the language crucial to succeed.

The A-level student underwent a rigorous selection process on the Isle of Coll where he was chosen by Project Trust to spend a year in Myanmar.

Project Trust is an educational charity which sends over a hundred volunteers to over 30 different countries each year

Ben, from Penygroes, is reaching the final steps of his fundraising requirement of £6200 which will cover comprehensive medical insurance, flights and visas, inoculations and resources for his year away.

Ben, Year 13 pupil, said: “A huge thank you to Rhian, Elaine and all the Ammanford Lions who have been absolutely fantastic in helping me and have been incredibly supportive.

“Everyone who came to the Race Night thoroughly enjoyed and that is testament to the hard work of the club.

“The Lions do a great deal of local charitable work and I’d urge everyone to get involved.”

President of Ammanford Lions, Rhian Thomas, added: “We have been impressed by Ben’s enthusiasm and by his own fundraising efforts.

“We were pleased to help. Huge thanks to our sponsors and all those who supported the event.

“Lions are always looking for members or volunteers. We have a litter pick on Monday, April 25. Find out more on our Facebook page”.

For more information or if you have any questions look at his facebook page ‘ Ben’s year in Myanmar.’