TWO Neilston teenagers have staged a bric-a-brac sale to kick-start their bid to raise funds for a unique school trip.

Ryan Catterson and Morven Considine, both 16, held the event in the Bank Café to generate cash which will go towards a £2,000-per-pupil journey to Malawi.

Should they reach that figure ahead of the November trip, the Eastwood High pupils will be among a group of students who will work with disadvantaged children.

After raising around £100 each at the bric-a-brac event, the dynamic duo are now devising a plan to take them closer to the £1,500 they still need to secure their place.

The trip will give 25 teenagers from East Renfrewshire the chance to help kids from one of the most deprived countries in Africa.

While Ryan and Morven appreciate their fellow villagers’ support, they know there is still some way to go before they can rest assured they’ll be on the plane come November 2.

Ryan’s mum, Sandra McDiarmid, paid tribute to the Neilston residents who attended the fundraising event.

She told the Barrhead News: “They raised about £200 each, which is not to be sniffed at but we need to hold something that gives them a bit more than that. We had a raffle and tombola and sold items such as CDs, books and records.

“People have been dropping stuff at my door. Ryan still needs to raise about another £1,400. They are due to fly out on November 2 but have to pay the money well before that.

“The flights are booked. On top of that, Ryan needs a passport and a visa and two injections for rabies and yellow fever.

“Ryan and Morven want to thank the people who have supported them so far. We really appreciate their commitment and are grateful to those who came along to show support.”

It is the difference that such a visit can make to the lives of the African children that Sandra believes will stand her son and his fellow pupils in good stead.

She is now desperate for the youngsters to be given the chance to take part.

Sandra continued: “These African kids are lucky if they see a notepad until schoolkids from here go out there every two years.

“The clothes these children wear are ragged. Most don’t even have shoes on their feet.”

Ryan and Morven’s fundraising drive also includes plans for a family disco in Neilston in the near future.

To donate items for a raffle or to contribute to the pair’s Malawi fund, contact Sandra on 0791 995 8158.

Alternatively, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/eastwood-malawi-2017.