Fundraising kicks off for South American trip (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Fundraising kicks off for South American trip

PUPILS from a Cotswold School are preparing to pack their bags and head off to deepest darkest Peru.

Fourteen students from Sir William Romney's School in Tetbury, are taking part in a four-week trek through Southern Peru in July 2006 with World Challenge Expeditions.

While on the South American adventure they will be taking part in various community projects.

But before anyone can jet off, they each need to raise £3,200.

Teacher Katy Weir said: "It's all about broadening horizons. It will give students the opportunity to go to a South American country and Peru is so varied. It's a different culture and environment."

The trip is part of World Challenge Expeditions, and last year pupils from the school travelled to Canada, which was hailed as a success by all involved.

The group, all aged between 15 and 18, are already planning a Valentine's Day disco at the school to help drum up funds.

Lloyd Precious, one of the pupils going on the trip, said: "We're going to sell roses and chocolates around the school, and we're offering to post Valentine's cards to people for the price of a stamp."

More fundraising ideas are in the pipeline, and the group hopes that local people will support them when events are organised.