A TEENAGER raising money for the trip of a lifetime is holding a restaurant night.

Matthew Rice, 14, a pupil at Chester-le-Street’s Hermitage Academy, needs to raise £3,795 for next summer’s World Challenge trip to Tanzania and Kenya.

He and the 17 other teenagers from the school who are going on the trip have been busy holding individual and collective fund-raising events.

Matthew, who will be the youngest on the trip, is offering people a special three course meal for £15 at Da Vinci’s, Front Street, Chester-le-Street, on Tuesday November 13 from 5.30pm.

Matthew’s mother Helen said he had written to several businesses and the response had been “fantastic”.

During July’s expedition the youngster will work on building projects in African villages as well as trekking and going on safari.

Mrs Rice said: “It is a learning experience for him.

“The trip should be really good for him. He is a good kid and works really hard at school.

“He is really focussed on school, but he is really interested in doing something like this. It is a good experience that will stand him in good stead.”

Raffle prizes include £150 in travel vouchers from Hays Travel, a night for two in a Lake District hotel, a case of wine from Da Vinci’s and a cut and blow dry at Inspired Hair Salon.

Matthew hopes to raise between £400 and £500.

Tickets are available from Matthew on 0191-387 5159 or from the restaurant on 0191-388 1919.