THE fund-raising efforts of a man from Seething have enabled a new school to be built in one of the poorest areas of Thailand.

Quintin Clover, 29, led a group of seven for 90 miles as they stood up on a paddle board around the country's south island of Phuket.

The challenge helped to raise more than �50,000 and as a result they have been able to fund the building of a new school for underprivileged children at the Rassada Fishing Port.

Mr Clover, who now lives and works in Thailand, said: 'We paddled 90 miles over four days, and we all made it.

'It's the first time it has ever been done and I am very happy with the result and extremely grateful to everyone who supported us.'

Mr Clover, who is a former Notre Dame pupil and Norwich barman, was inspired to raise money after seeing first hand the difficulties faced by Burmese children in the fishing village.

He joined together with friends to find a way to help and devised the paddle board challenge that saw them standing up for eight hours every day and camping on beaches.

He said: 'The actual event raised over �50,000 pounds, which is enough to build the new school for the kids.

'We also have a large amount offered for building new levels for the school in years to come once phase one is complete.'

A day centre, which is made of concrete blocks and fishing nets, currently helps look after 100 children, but this new building should help to significantly improve conditions for them.

'The ground is being prepared now and the build will begin after rainy season. So the kids will be in the new safe environment by Christmas,' he said.

Mr Clover hopes to make the challenge a regular event, allowing people to raise money for the charity they support.

For more details email quintin@standupphuket.com