SIXTH form students at Marlwood School are preparing for a journey of a lifetime when they visit deepest central Africa this July.

They are busy raising cash to fund their World Challenge expedition to Malawi - ranked the eighth poorest country in the world - where they will be working to help children at two schools.

"We've been given an amazing opportunity," said team member Rachel Cross-Graham.

"We'll be doing lots of different things. Our school is already linked to one school that we'll be visiting. We shall be giving money and seeing how it is put to use to help the children.

"At another school we shall be helping to build a new classroom, painting the school and planting fruit trees.

"We'll be taking exercise books, pens, pencils, pencil sharpeners and other basic school equipment that we just take for granted."

She said the team would experience "real African culture" by doing lots of trekking - including up one of the country's highest peaks.

Appealing for sponsorship and other support from the community, Rachel said money was needed for supplies and other basic essentials for the schools.

"We have been bag packing at local supermarkets, doing car boot sales and holding local events such as a Dinner Dance and Salsa night.

"We are raising as much as we can ourselves but we hope people in our local area will also help to make a difference to a small African community," she said.

Offers of help can be made through the school on 01454 862525.