Caroline Dorney and Joanne Hughes, of the Blythman and Partners practice in Boldon Lane, South Shields, plan to head east next month.

The animal lovers will spend two weeks at an elephant rescue centre near Cha Am on the south-east coast of central Thailand.

In the meantime, they are hoping to raise more than £2,000 to fund the expedition.

Miss Hughes, of Victoria Road West, Hebburn, said: "Caroline and I have been talking about doing some voluntary work for a couple of years, especially where the care and welfare of animals is not as good as over here."

The rescue centre takes in various animal species, but Miss Hughes, 18, and Miss Dorney will be working specifically with the elephants it looks after.

It provides a refuge for domestic elephants in an environment as close to nature as possible.

Miss Dorney, 28, of Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, said: "The centre cares for elephants that have been rescued from street entertainers.

"These elephants cannot be released into the wild because they are tame and need to be supervised at all times."

Blythman and Partners has offered to support the pair, but they are hoping to find another sponsor willing to help the rescue centre.

The cost of the trip covers the volunteers' food and basic accommodation, but the majority of the money will go directly to the centre to provide funding for future work.

To help raise funds, Miss Dorney has produced decorated dog collars, which are on sale at the practice.

Anyone interested in sponsoring the pair can contact them at the surgery on 456 4209.