A MAKESHIFT slum spoilt the view in a leafy Surrey suburb as youngsters braved the elements to highlight global poverty.

Camped out underneath a mound of soggy cardboard and sheets of tarpaulin, the group of youngsters "slummed it" in Woodmansterne to raise awareness of the one billion people who live in slums worldwide.

The project – Slum Survivor – was organised by young church members Tim Bateman and Peter Churcher.

Tim, 18, said: "It was an enjoyable experience and I really felt I learned a lot.

"I realised I was lucky to have a comfortable bed at home and hot running water and a choice of food – you appreciate what you've got."

The group of about 15 11-to-16-year-olds from St Margaret's and St Peter's youth groups set up the slum on the green opposite St Peter's Church, Rectory Lane, on Friday, May 28, eating a basic diet of rice and lentils. Tim, of Starrock Lane, Chipstead, said the wet weather caused the slums to fall down and said some of the group found the experience "challenging".

The teen, who next year heads to Oxford University to study theology, said he drew inspiration from his time in South Africa with charity Soul Action.

"I went to visit one of the projects last year and really wanted to do something to help them. What they do is so worthwhile and effective," he added.

Slum survivor Esmy Hough, 12, of Woodmansterne Street, said the hardest part of the night was living off rice and lentils.

She said: "Mealtimes were the hardest because we weren't allowed to eat anything else and there was a corner shop just across the road."

Joseph Honey, 14, who is a member of St Margaret's Church, Chipstead, said the experience made him realise how unstable slum life was.

He added: "I had a good time and enjoyed most of the experience.

"We just spent one night like this – but for people living in slums, this is their life."