AN intrepid teenager from Oswaldtwistle is jetting out to Africa on the trip of a lifetime.

Tracie Leonard, 17, is among a group of six East Lancashire teenagers who will spend a fortnight in the remote village of Mwanza, Tanzania.

They will be helping out at the Bethany Project orphanage and clinic on schemes to improve the life of the local community.

The project was set up by Oswaldtwistle-based Northern Evangelical Trust.

Five other young people from Oswaldtwistle Youth and Community Centre, Harvey Street, will join Tracie on the journey.

They are her boyfriend, Liam Wilson, as well as Lee McNeill, Jennifer Burnside, Daniel Derbyshire and Vicki Payne, all aged between 16 and 18.

Youth and community worker Mark Gray and part-time workers Tracy Dawbar and Mark McVey will also be going on the trip.

The stay will also include a chance for the teenagers to come face to face with some of the continent's fiercest animals, when they go on safari.

The £7,500 costs of the journey are being funded from a combination of sources, including county council cash and fundraising events.

The youngsters also applied to local businesses and various charities for a contribution.

Excited Tracie, of Wordsworth Close, a student at Accrington and Rossendale College, said: "Mark Gray was out there last year and thought it would be a good idea to take some of us from the youth club.

"We have to fly to Dubai, wait 10 hours for a plane to Kenya and stay there overnight.

"Then we'll go on a bus to Tanzania. It's only 50 miles, but it will take more than three hours because the roads are so bad.

"The orphanage isn't finished yet and they are also building a water tower.

"Traditionally, women and girls are supposed to look after the men and boys, teaching and cooking.

"I'll be teaching the children some basic English -- but I want to give the builders a hand as well!"

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