STUDENT Tracy Harris is preparing to jet off for the trip of a lifetime to Brazil.

The 18-year-old is one of just nine Lancashire teenagers to win the chance to make the trip this summer through the Daniel Thwaites Travel Scholarship scheme.

Tracy, who attends Blackpool Sixth Form College, was nominated by the Mayor of Blackpool, Councillor David Owen, to spend two weeks living with a Brazilian family - learning about their day-to-day life.

But her experiences will be hands-on and she will be expected to help out with chores, such as gardening and washing.

Tracy, of Hatfield Close, Thorton-Cleveleys, said: "I have been reading up on Brazil and can't wait to go now.

"It's a country I would not have thought of visiting before I got this scholarship, but it's definitely the chance of a lifetime.

"It's a great time to experience something like this and I think it will encourage me to travel in the future."

Tracy, who is studying for A-levels in English, biology, German and general studies and hopes to go to university, will fly out to Brazil in July under the supervision of leader Christopher Jenkins, of Blackburn College.

The travel scholarship was first introduced 37 years ago by current Daniel Thwaites president John Yerburgh, great-great-grandson of the brewery's founder.

It is funded by Thwaites and run in conjunction with the Experiment for International Living.

Since the late 1950s, the scholarship has taken Lancashire students as far afield as Czechoslovakia, India and America.

Mr Yerburgh said: "The scholarship has been a great success and many youngsters have benefited.

"The students get an insight into another culture and, hopefully, a better understanding of people and life in general."

He added: "They have extra responsibilities too - ambassadors for their country."

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