A TEIGNMOUTH woman was going to spend £400 on a new TV.

But she changed her mind and gave the money to a charity, after reading in the Teignmouth Post about a local man who helped the homeless in Peru.

Janice Hare presented a cheque to Dan Stroud, 41, who earlier this year spent a month in Pisco using his carpenter-joiner skills to help victims of an earthquake that killed more than 500 people, destroyed 80 per cent of the buildings and left thousands homeless.

Mr Stroud, who runs a picture framing business in Waterloo Street, told the Post that a new modular home could be put together there for just £400.

'I was very touched by this generous donation. This will make a huge difference to a family in Pisco. There is still a lot of work to be done, and any offers of help would be gratefully received.'

Ms Hare said: 'I recently considered buying a new television, but after reading the article realised the money would be better spent building a home for a family.

'I hope other people will also donate, or approach Dan to find out how they could help in other ways.'

Mr Stroud is a volunteer with Pisco Sin Fronteras, an organisation that encourages people to assist in different ways, including teaching, community work, child care and in the building trade.

He can be contacted at his shop, Picture This Framing, or via email [email protected]">[email protected].