IT’S a race against time for a teenager attempting to raise funds after agreeing to spend three months in Africa, helping youngsters in one of the poorest parts of the world.

Student Alex Wylde, 19, from Park Lane, Bethersden, near Ashford, wanted to complete a major challenge during her gap year before going to university in Norwich in the autumn to study graphic design.

A former boarder and head girl at Bethany School, Goudhurst, she has completed an art foundation year at Loughborough College and was looking for a challenge before furthering her studies.

Before that she will also spend three months in Tanzania near Mount Kilimanjaro teaching English and art and introducing youngsters to the game of hockey.

To go on the African trip she has to raise £1,400 and is looking for sponsors.

She has already raised £750 by working as a barmaid and waitress at The Bull Inn in the village, completing a sponsored skydive, and creating home-made fabric cards for sale.

In Africa she will be working as a volunteer in a school with 1,200 pupils, including up to 50 orphans, that has just 20 teachers.

Anyone wanting to support her efforts can contact her on 0787 4047323.