A couple are flying to Italy to see if they can help rebuild lives after the earthquake which hit the country.

Andy Chaggar and partner Emma Taylor, from St Matthew's, Leicester, are the driving force behind the newly established European Disaster Volunteers (EDV).

Its aim is to set up a network of volunteers that can fly out to countries to help provide immediate relief to areas affected by natural disasters, and then help rebuild communities.

Andy, 32, came up with the idea after his then-partner Nora Mills, from Yorkshire, died in the tsunami, which hit Thailand in 2004.

He was also injured in the disaster, which claimed thousands of lives.

After spending seven months recovering, he went back to Thailand as one of a team of volunteers to help with rebuilding work.

He has also spent time working in Peru, following an earthquake in 2007, where he met Emma, 23, the new organisation's media and marketing director.

Andy said: "There is a similar American group but nothing in Europe, which is why we decided to set up the EDV organisation."

Anyone over 18 can join EDV.

Andy said: "We will teach them all the skills they need and would encourage anyone to join our efforts at home or abroad.

"People will have to pay their own fares and living expenses to get to places, but we will provide all the tools and expertise."

A major fund-raising exercise is now under way as the organisation applies for charitable status. For information e-mail:

info@europeandisastervolunteers.org