John O'Connell, chairman of A Must for Dolakha, tucks into Wilson's pies in Kathmandu

John O’ Connell, founder and chairman of charity A Must for Dolakha (AMfD), has spent the last few months working to help and support villages in the earthquake-hit region of Nepal.

And when AMfD treasuer Paul Heslop asked Mr O’Connell if he wanted anything from Kearsley, before jetting out to join him, he was in no doubt, answering ‘a couple of pies from Wilson’s pie shop and a copy of The Bolton News’.

The pair, both from Kearsley, met up at Kathmandu airport where Mr Heslop presented his charity colleague with the much missed home comforts.

Mr O’Connell, who describes himself as ‘Kearsley born and bred’ years said he had been craving home town delicacies from Wilson’s – winner of The Bolton News’ best pie shop award.

He said: “I do miss Kearsley, the food is the main thing I miss, and I like a Guinness as well, that’s the main thing for me.

“Over here it’s a rice and curry job three times a day but, I do like curry – or at least I used to!”

Mr O’Connell first went to Nepal in 2012, before the devastating earthquake when he volunteered to teach at a school, where he met his wife Meena Shrestha.

And it was during this time that he built up a real affinity and rapport with the Nepalese people.

He said: “I just think they’re really nice people and before the earthquake they didn’t have it good and it’s made it a lot worse.

“More than anything the first time I came they all took me into their hearts and homes.

“Before I walked into the shop I had to walk around the back roads because I kept being pulled into people’s homes, I couldn’t get anywhere.

“They’re very likeable, friendly people.”

Former St Gregory’s Primary School pupil Mr O’Connell, plans to return to the UK in December with his wife and daughter Sophia, after completing six months in the country.

The charity is focusing on its bid for money from International Development Fund, which it will use to improve schools and education in Dolakha.