American volunteer builders are coming to Sussex to help build houses for needy families.

Initial clearance work has begun on land in Faversham Road, Eastbourne, to build two two-bedroom homes after charity Habitat For Humanity raised almost £100,000 for the project.

The first team of volunteer labourers will arrive from different areas of the United States on Saturday and the ten-strong team will start excavating the site and putting up security fencing.

Dr Chris Savile, chairman of the Eastbourne Habitat For Humanity branch, said: "We are absolutely delighted that our work in Eastbourne will be assisted by a team of American volunteers.

"We have also been very lucky to have two American friends with us over the past few months and we are sure that our project will be given the best possible start from their visit."

The money raised included the donation of the land on which to build the houses, valued at £30,000.

Habitat For Humanity is an international charity with a fund-raising branch in Eastbourne.

It aims to provide affordable housing and where possible, self-build projects, for people in need of accommodation, especially families who may be living in poor conditions.

The construction is being led by a team of volunteers led by Chris Brenchley of Carlton Construction, who is acting as site manager.