Southampton woman Tori Green, who works in Cambodia, is holding a 'book raiser' for The Hand in Heart Project.

"The event is being held in memory of Papa Eng who died in March and whose final wish for his community was to ask me to build a library in his challenged village near Siem Reap, home of UNESCO heritage site Angkor Wat, the largest temple complex on the planet," says Tori.

"With the help of some amazing volunteers and sponsors we have already built the library using a mixture of traditional and modern sustainable build techniques including a fantastic tree design bottle wall."

The library is also designed as an 'eco centre' to provide information and education about wildlife conservation.

Tori is asking people to support 'Papa Engs Book Fund' by donating books suitable for under 16s that feature animals, nature, wildlife and important life lessons.

Paperback books with illustrations are best. Small musical percussion instruments and art supplies are also extremely welcome.

"Huge thanks already goes out to supporters who are raiding their shelves at local schools, businesses, closing libraries and homes across Hampshire," adds Tori.

"We have even had support from people in India, Australia and America."

The Hand in Heart project is also fundraising for solar panels as the village has no electricity, a toilet and washing facilities - it has no plumbing, furniture, initial set up costs and a toothbrush and eco paste for up to 100 children.

Tori says:"It has only cost £2000 so far to build which is an amazing feat in itself. Another £2000 will fill it and help run education workshops for the next year!

"A incredibly kind private business man has offered to cover all of our shipping costs from Southampton to Cambodia so now we just need to raise the books and supporting costs to get our doors open to the kids."

More than 100 under 16s currently visit the project for occasional events and the team wants want to be able to provide a dedicated weekly service of book, song and story sharing as well as education workshops. The children can suffer from malnutrition due to some very vulnerable family situations and they are keen to provide a healthy meal on open days too.

Tori Green, a professional photographer and founder of the Hand in Heart Project is also founder of wildlife organisations Natural Cambodia, Natural Laos and Natural Bangladesh.

Tori offers discovery travel tours in Cambodia and also welcomes volunteers with library, sustainable build and arts therapy experience. She used to work for Guide Dogs for Blind and the National Blood Service.

"Cambodia's genocide meant that more than million died" says Tori.

"Many were artists, musicians, teachers and independent business owners. Our projects aim to be the big brothers and sisters to the younger generation who in post genocide recovery so desperately want to be part of the international community, to gain knowledge on how to protect their natural resources but have no access to education or healthy sanitation."

The KiK - Kids in Kampuchea all day fundraising event will be held at the Alexandra Beer Emporium, Bellevue Road, Southampton on April 16.

Suggested donation on entry is £3.

THe family-friendly event will feature acoustic music including local singer/songwriter Lucy Kitchen, art workshops and live graffiti canvas painting. Evening entertainment will include Grant Sharkey and the Soul 45's DJ Neil Walters.

Live acts are welcomed to get in touch via handinheartproject@gmail.com

Books for donation can be taken to the event or email for details of drop off points.