AN ADVENTUROUS teenager is to embark on a trip to Africa at the end of the month - using only her thumb.

Rebecca Kitson, 19, will hitchhike to Morocco with two friends, to raise funds for Link Community Development.

The charity works to improve education for disadvantaged children in South Africa, Ghana and Uganda.

Rebecca, from Bishop Auckland, is studying a languages degree at the University of Leeds, and is looking forward to testing her skills and raising money. She has been collecting around Leeds, and has also received donations from regulars at a coffee morning in Sunnybrow and Darlington Operatic Society, as well as the Hargreaves Group, in Esh Winning.

The money is not to fund her travel expenses, but will all go to the charity. She needs to raise a minimum of £300, but said: "I'm just going to try and get as much as possible."

Rebecca's grandfather is Durham County Councillor Brian Myers, and she admitted that some of his community spirit and desire to help others had rubbed off on her.

"I feel lucky to have made it to university, and it's good to give other people the chance of a good education," she said.

To donate online, visit www.justgiving.com/hitch_me_baby_one_more_time