A STUDENT is embarking upon an adventure of a lifetime in a bid to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

Kieran Pun, aged 18, is climbing the world's tallest free-standing mountain - Kilimanjaro in Africa - in aid of Save the Children.

He will then spend four weeks in Tanzania, living in a village and working on community projects.

He is one of 25 students from Durham University taking part on the trip in June.

They will spend a week trekking up the 19,340-foot mountain, the summit of which stands 5,895 metres above sea level. He will then live with a local family in the village of Kitunda, where he will teach youngsters as part of the Learning in a Village Project.

Kieran, of Chorley New Road, Heaton, said he decided to take part in the mammoth trek to raise cash for charity and raise awareness of the plight of people in Tanzania.

He said: "I thought it would be a really good thing to do, especially while I am a student as I might not have the opportunity to do something like this when I'm older and have a job.

"I did volunteer work with the Bolton Lads and Girls Club when I was at school for a couple of years but now I want to take it a step further."

The former Bolton School pupil said he is looking forward to the trip with nervous anticipation.

He said: "I've never done anything like this before. I think it will be a life changing experience.

"I'm particularly looking forward to working in the community and hopefully making a difference, as well as seeing first-hand how Save the Children spends its money."

Kieran needs to raise £2,800 for the trip, half of which will go to Save the Children and half will cover his costs. Anyone wanting to sponsor him can make a donation to his "just giving" webpage at justgiving.com.