A TEENAGER will be representing East Lancashire on a Girlguiding trip to India to help poverty-stricken communities.

Sixteen-year-old Eleanor Collin, from Darwen, will be travelling with 16 other Girlguiding members from across the North West to the town of Mandore to work on improving facilities in schools and homes.

Eleanor is the only person from East Lancashire to have been selected by Girlguiding North West for the trip after impressing judges at two team-building sessions.

The Darwen Aldridge Community Academy student said she is excited to get out there and help people.

She said: “I have seen what some people go through out there and it really is horrific.

“There are not many schools in Mandore, particularly for girls so it is very difficult for them to get an education and progress in life. They also don’t have basic sanitation sometimes.

“By working with the Mandore Project we will hopefully make a difference to that and leaving a lasting impression on the community.

“It will also help me develop my own personal skills and will be something I will remember for the rest of my life.

“I am incredibly honoured to have been chosen.”

Eleanor, who attends Darwen Cellar Dwellars Ranger Unit at Whitehall Park rose garden, has been an active member of Girlguiding since she was four, attending numerous parades and services as well as volunteering projects.

She is trying to raise £2,100 to go on the trip and is well over halfway to her target having raised £1,600 already by taking part in sponsored swims, cake sales and running a stall at Darwen Gala.

The money raised will cover all meals, flights and accommodation on top of a donation to the Mandore Project.

Out in Mandore she will be painting buildings, constructing toilets, building desks and teaching English and maths skills to school pupils.

The group will also be delivering healthcare and nutritional advice.

Eleanor, of Sunnymere Drive, said: “The biggest thing will be the culture shock but I think that will do wonders for my resilience and my moral compass.”