An A-level student will be strapping on his boots and undertaking a marathon-length walk to raise funds for a gap year project.

Tom Wright, 18, of Church Road, Tasburgh, will walk 26 miles from his home, along the Boudicca Way and will end up at the Chilli Company, at Mendlesham in Suffolk.

The Norwich School student is preparing to fly out to Honduras, in Central America, in mid-August where he will teach young school children how to speak English.

He was invited to take part in the 12-month placement by gap year organisation Project Trust after his Spanish-speaking skills and hard working ethic shown through during a selection process on the Isle of Coll, in Scotland, last September.

Since then he has been fundraising to collect the �4,950 needed in time to take up his place and has so far raised more than �1,200 through a combination of race nights, cake sales and charitable gigs.

Project Trust sends 250 school leavers to more than 20 countries every year to take part in voluntary projects such as teaching in local schools or working in orphanages and care homes.

'It all started last year when Project Trust gave a talk at my school. I was so amazed by what they were doing as a charity that I applied for a place and got asked to go on the selection course. I've been learning Spanish for about four years so going to Central America has always been a dream of mine,' he said.

'I'm really excited - I can not wait to get out there but it's quite a big project so I'm a bit terrified too.

'Most people link the words gap year with a long holiday but I will actually be working. I have always thought about teaching and this will give me a great teaching experience abroad.'

Following his gap, Tom hopes to take up a place at the University of Wales Institute (UWIC), in Cardiff, where he will study graphic design.

Tom will be completing his sponsored walk alongside his dad Nick on June 24.

Those wishing to sponsor the walk can visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/tomandnick