Vicki Bull (25) has just returned from India, where she spent five weeks helping to construct an anti-poaching camp to prevent hunters targeting the famous Indian elephants, and other wildlife found in the country.

The camp is located in the BR Hills wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka, near Bangalore, in south-west India.

Vicki, who works in defence equipment and support at RAF Wyton, in Huntingdon, was originally meant to be working at a camp in Mysore, a few miles away from her final location.

However, when they arrived in Mysore, the camp had been overrun with elephants, and there were no armed rangers to protect the workers, so they were forced to move on.

During her time in India, Vicki stayed at the 100 year-old Viceroy's House – but despite initial thoughts of grandeur, the reality was slightly different, as she was forced to use a bucket of freezing water as a shower, and slept on the floor.

And it wasn't just the living quarters that came as a shock for Vicki, as the work involved in creating the camp was extremely demanding.

She said: "The daily routine was tough for those not used to labouring.

"I got up at 6am and worked in 90F temperatures digging foundations and carrying 66lb cement blocks until dusk.

"Obviously we had breaks, but we continued working until early evening, by which time we were longing for some dinner and a rest."

To be able to make the trip, Vicki had to raise £1,300, which took a year to find, by providing horse-riding lessons, dog walking, washing cars and a host of other one-off jobs.

After the work was completed, she said: "I think the major achievement of my trip was actually finishing the project we'd begun.

"Obviously I learnt a whole lot more about myself, and it was an experience that changed my life.

"None of that would have been possible without the support and help of my sponsors and my manager back at RAF Wyton. I owe them all a very big thank-you."

The camp was opened by the Forestry Commissioner Dr Raju who said: "When we first conceived the project I had my doubts that this would be completed in time. But I am very impressed with how much you have completed."