A MARSDEN teenager is planning an African adventure.

Penny Cooper-Jones, 17, hopes to spend a year in South Africa, teaching English to youngsters in need.

She has secured a placement with the Project Trust charity, which finds gap year work all over the world for students heading to UK universities.

Penny, who is studying at Huddersfield New College, got through a tough induction course in Scotland, when she faced a series of interviews and tests.

Now she has another big test – raising the £4,800 she will need to fund her 12-month expedition.

She will be paid a basic wage by the Trust but will have to pay for her own accommodation and food during her stay in South Africa.

Penny, of Station Road, hopes to leave in August, but has not yet been told where she will be working in South Africa.

“I have asked for an urban placement, but that could be anywhere in the country.

“It is the idea of helping young kids and making a difference that appeals to me.

“We take things like education for granted here and I hope whatever I can do will help make a difference for some other young people.”

Penny, who lives with her mum Julie, is studying business, psychology, media and drama at the College.

She works part-time at the Riverhead pub in Marsden and is hoping to organise some fundraising events there, including a special meal night in the restaurant.

She is also arranging a raffle and a karaoke event to try and boost her funds.

Anyone who wants to help can e-mail Penny at xblonde_bambinox@hotmail.co.uk or through the Trust’s website on www.projecttrust.org.uk