A YOUNG student is appealing to Ilkley people to help him put his best foot forward on an expedition to Nepal.

Jamal Abbasi, of Middleton Avenue, Ilkley, is hoping to spend six months teaching in the country, near the Mount Everest Base Camp.

Jamal, who is studying for four A-levels at Bradford Grammar School, is planning to complete the expedition before taking up a place at Glasgow University, to study Business Management. He says he has been spurred on to take up the challenge as part of his ambition to join the Royal Marines.

He said: "That's my main reason for going on the expedition, to get that kind of exposure. I want the experience of living in a different culture under such harsh conditions so I can find out my limits.

"But also to help the people of Nepal. It is one of the poorest countries in the world. There are about 80 children in a class."

The 18-year-old needs to raise £2,000 to take on the expedition, which is being co-ordinated by company GAP.

Jamal will be taking on fundraising projects himself throughout the summer.

He said: "I am going to do some sponsored events. I did a sponsored litter pick during Ilkley in Bloom for another expedition."

In the mean time, any businesses or individuals interested in offering a donation to Jamal should telephone (01943) 603331.