AN 18-year-old student will run the London Marathon to raise money for a voluntary teaching trip to Malaysia.

Neil Chelton, of from Cross Barn Walk, Darwen, is set to compete in the 26-mile run in April, aside from his studies at Runshaw College.

The student, in his final year of A-levels, will be taking a gap year after college and is looking to raise £3,550 before August for a teaching trip to the other side of the world.

Neil said: "It's organised by the Project Trust and I need to raise the money before I go. I'll be teaching adventure sports, such as canoeing and orienteering out there."

Neil is looking to study adventure sports management at university after his A-levels.

He said: "I'm studying maths, PE and IT at the moment but I'm really excited for university but this trip means a lot to me and I can't wait to get going."

Anyone interested in sponsoring Neil in the London Marathon should contact him on 01254 777347.