Consultant anaesthetist Richard Johnson has taken part in an international community bridge-building project in Peru.

Richard, a scout leader of 11th Halifax Scout Group, travelled to the Sacred Valley region in May, along with 17 West Yorkshire scout leaders and helpers, all volunteers, as part of Project Peru.

The team worked alongside villagers in the remote area of Qelqanqa, building two reinforced concrete bridges in only 12 days.

The new bridges have replaced wooden bridges washed away by winter flood waters.

The area is renowned for flooding, which has a devastating effect on the local community.

Richard said: “The project was an amazing experience, and it is heartening that the work of our team will make a huge difference to the quality of the villagers’ lives.

“When the building work was complete, both bridges were blessed at an inauguration ceremony, followed by a village feast and party.”