Harriet McConnell has always been eager to find out more about different cultures and help other people.

Now, the 18-year-old from Catton has been given the chance to make this a reality by embarking on a volunteering trip to Malawi.

On January 23, Miss McConnell will team up with Malawian volunteers and will be based in Mzuzu, the Northern capital, for ten weeks.

She plans to spend a lot of her time working with young children who are living in poverty and to tackle key issues such as raising health and hygiene awareness.

Miss McConnell, who has attended the City of Norwich School and Sixth Form, will link up with international charity Lattitude Global Volunteering. It is part of the ICS programme, which funds young people aged 18-25 to contribute to long-term development projects.

Although the trip itself is government funded, Miss McConnell is attempting to raise an additional £800.

This fundraising is a way to ensure that the developing countries that Lattitude helps, can continue to benefit from the work of future volunteers.

Miss McConnell, who is hoping to study Economics at Sheffield University when she gets back, said: 'In order to fundraise for my trip I am selling a lot of my own personal belongings at various car boot sales and have also raised awareness for my Christmas Tree Collection service, that will take place on January 6 for those who live near me. This is a unique opportunity to work alongside people from a different culture who have requested help from young volunteers to fight poverty and make a difference where it is needed most. I am so excited to get out there and help make a difference'.

Miss McConnell recently attended a training weekend to meet other people on the trip.

'I went down and met the team and they were lovely people.

'I am sure I will make a lot of new friends.

'This is always something that has interested me and when I am older I want to work for the financial side of a charity.

To support Harriet or for more information visit: www.justgiving.com/Harriet-McConnell or text 'HAMC96 £2' to 70070.