A 15-YEAR-OLD explorer scout is embarking on an expedition to Madagascar as the only member from Hampshire joining the trip.

Ben Leslie, from Andover District Explorers, is joining the UK Scout Expedition Team’s trip to the African island in 2019.

Over the three-and-a-half week trip the Test Valley School student will be working alongside Malagasy scouts on projects such as building toilets, digging wells and helping at a refuge for vulnerable children.

Ben said: “I'm really excited about going to Madagascar and getting to experience a new culture.

“I like the idea of helping other people so it's great that we get to support the Malagasy scouts with their projects while we're there. Also, I'm really hoping to see a lemur or two!"

In the next year Ben is hoping to reach his fundraising total of £3,100 to make the “Mad19” venture possible and will take part in regular training camps and learn a few Malagasy phrases before setting off.

The Malagasy scouts deliver the infrastructure for the charity Water Aid, ensuring that the local population have access to clean water as well as toilets for better sanitation.

Ben’s mum Rachel Leslie said: “I am quite nervous about Ben going to such a remote place when he's only 16. However, I'm reassured that the Mad19 leadership team know what they are doing as they've led expeditions to Madagascar twice before, and the main leader is a fully qualified travel nurse.

“It's going to be an amazing experience for him and we're very proud of him for wanting to do it.”

To donate visit https://www.gofundme.com/BenLeslieforMad19