A GROUP of secondary school students are preparing to go on the trip of a lifetime when they travel to Africa to help with community projects.

The 13 pupils from John Hanson Community School will fly to Tanzania in July for a month, as part of a Camps International project.

The company has organised for the students to support several community projects in different areas which will include construction, preserving rural habitats and wildlife and education.

The projects will help transform communities and overcome issues such as access to clean water, education and housing.

PE teacher Claire Coomer, who will travel with the students along with teaching assistant Tom Appleton, said: “We will be working on various community projects which might be digging foundations or putting a roof on, depending on what stage they are at when we arrive. There will also be conservation work in the rural areas and we will visit a coastal resort perhaps to clear rubbish from beaches or collect seaweed.”

As part of the month-long trip the students will also trek in the Usambara Mountains and go on safari.

Each student has been responsible for raising nearly £4,000 to fund the trip, which has been achieved through various fundraising initiatives including quizzes, bake sales, car washes, babysitting and bag packing in Tesco.

Claire said: “Just the fundraising aspect of it has made them give up their own time and show commitment.”

The team has already spent time training and preparing by working with former John Hanson students Terry Anderson, director of Reasons Fitness, and Betsy Tuffery, of Seed Psychology, who have given their time for free to support the students.