Members of Workington's Rotary clubs will head out on a 7,000-mile adventure to the Philippines to present fishing boats to people whose lives were devastated by Typhoon Haiyan.

The two groups raised more than £5,000 after the tropical cyclone hit the country in November 2013.

They held collections at supermarkets and Haighs in Workington and their total was boosted by further donations from Rotary clubs across the North West, South Korea, the United States and Workington Derwent Inner Wheel clubs to hit a total of more than £40,000.

The cash has been used to buy 80 fishing boats and several members of the organisation will head to the Philippines in early April to hand over the first 40 boats.

Patricia Hoggarth, president-elect of the Workington group, said: "It means a great deal to me personally. I come from Malaysia and I know the poverty people are living in.

"You can make a significant difference in the lives of others and it doesn't take a lot to give a motorised boat.

"They will be able to start life all over again and it means they will be able to provide for their families.

"The generosity of people in Workington touched me greatly."

The typhoon killed more than 6,000 people and almost two million were left homeless by the disaster.

At least five Rotary members will go to the Philippines and people in Workington will have the opportunity to suggest names for the boats.

Mrs Hoggarth added: "I owe great gratitude to the people of Workington for making this project a reality.

"Eighty families will benefit in the long term. Rotary does a lot of work outside this country. 

"It wouldn't have seemed right if we hadn't looked at avenues of trying to build on it and increase it."

The team will fly out on Monday, April 4 and the presentation of the boats will take place later that week.