A TEESSIDE doctor is to travel to Africa to teach on a degree course as part of a two-year volunteering programme.

Dr Neal Wade, 27, a former Egglescliffe School pupil, will leave for Awasa, in Ethiopia, on Saturday, with his partner, Dr Jenny Search.

They will work in the physics and biology departments of Debub University as part of the Voluntary Service Overseas programme.

At present, the university has the first two years of its degree courses in place, and Dr Wade and Dr Search will teach while helping to develop the third and fourth year syllabus, improve laboratory classes and increasing research activities.

This will not be the first time Dr Wade has visited Africa. While in the sixth form at Egglescliffe he was supported by staff and pupils in a trip to Africa with Cleveland Scouts and Guides.

They spent a month in Kenya, working alongside Kenyan Scouts, building a medical centre in a rural area.

Dr Wade said: "I am really looking forward to it - especially the weather after nine years in Glasgow. Setting up the degree courses will be a huge challenge for both of us."