A GROUP of sixth form students need a helping hand to send them on an Andean adventure of a lifetime.

The dozen-strong party from County Durham is planning a Peruvian pilgrimage to mark the end of their A-level studies next summer.

While fellow students wind down in Mediterranean hot-spots, the adventure-seekers from Durham Sixth Form Centre hope to spend a fortnight in a remote area of the South American nation.

They plan to take up the first half of the break trekking across the Machu Pichu range, home of the Inca people, before performing a week of community work.

This could include helping to build an orphanage, assisting in a hospital or helping teach local children to speak English.

Members of the party, which includes law teacher Emma Graham, met this week to update plans for the trip, which has been organised through the specialist-break operator Madventurer.

They need to raise approximately £18,000 to cover the cost.

The students are planning a range of fundraising events over coming months.

Among the exploits suggested are sponsored sky dives, bag packs, hikes, band nights, haircuts and leg-waxing stunts.

But they also hope the business community in the Durham area will offer support to help them reach their target.

Ms Graham said: "This is a marvellous opportunity for the students.

"I can't wait myself and I know they're all equally excited about it.

"It promises to be an unforgettable experience, but the first hurdle is to bring in the funds and they've got a whole list of events planned.

"Any available sponsorship would really help to break the back and help them on the way."

Anyone willing to offer sponsorship or support for any of the fundraising events is asked to contact the centre on 0191-383 0708.