Teenagers from St Luke's Church in Watford have found an inventive way to raise money for a trip to build a series of houses for families in Mexico.

During the summer, for a donation of £5, you can arrange for a group of wooden animals to appear in your garden or the garden of a friend or neighbour.

The aptly named Mexican Menagerie are themed on South American animals.

Fun-seekers can book an Alpaca Attack, an Iguana Invasion or a Pelican Party. And they can do so in the knowledge that the money raised will pay the young people's travel costs and also cover the materials for building the houses.

The church’s youth director Neil Brookes said: "This is the third time that St Luke's have taken young people to Mexico with the youth organisation Urban Saints.

"The programme, known as ReBuild, is a really rewarding opportunity for the teenagers to experience first hand the poverty that some people endure daily.

"They give the families a step up on the ladder to a better way of living, by offering them, simply, a weather tight house. This year we have our biggest group yet and will be taking a group of 30 to join others from across the UK."

Charlotte Cox, 16, from The Gardens, Watford, is looking forward to the trip and said: "I want to be able to make a difference.

"We take our homes for granted, and these families are currently living, eating and sleeping in one room.

"Raising money is part of the process. We have to raise £1,300 each but I'm really looking forward to surprising people with our Mexican Menagerie."

Joining Charlotte on the trip will be John Sills, Charley Nixson, Caz McGrath, Helen Chapman, Neil Brookes, Olivia Salmon, Laura Miller, Aoife Moran, Stephen Moran, Alice Watson, Jacob Hartley, Sarah Joseph, Ailish Whelan, Lucy Rawbone, Jono Pamplin, Matthew Chapman, Euan Wiley, Alice Galtrey, Orlagh Scourfield, Catharine Deacy, Megan Daniels, Henrietta Cooke, Tom McCrindle-Davidson, Jamie Humberstone, Max Humberstone, Deborah Cotton, Emma Payne and Emily Higgs.

To book an Alpaca attack, Pelican Party or Iguana Invasion, ring St Luke's, Watford, on 01923 246161.