A student from Oakworth is looking to spread the word when she travels to South America to take up a teaching post.

Melanie Williams, 21, from Slack Lane, will leave the British winter behind and journey to Guatemala where she will spend six months teaching English to youngsters aged four to 16.

She will fly out on January 26 and link up with the project run by the international youth development charity AFS. And to help her realise her ambition, Melanie has to raise £3,000 to cover her expenses on the trip she hopes will be an education for both herself and her new pupils.

She says: "I wanted to go travelling but didn't want to go on my own for safety reasons, but this charity puts you with a host family so you get more of the culture of the country than if you go on just a tourist visit.

"I will be in a rural village and while I'm out there I will be working on a community project with my host family.

"I need to raise some cash for the trip but also need teaching equipment, like alphabet flash cards and an inflatable globe, as well as basic teaching materials.

"Most of my time will be spent teaching English, but I'll be working in a community school so will probably end up doing a bit of everything."

Melanie recently graduated from Lancaster University with a degree in art and psychology, and has also done a TEFOL (teaching English as a foreign language) course.

When she returns from Guatemala, she is hoping to train as an art teacher.

Melanie will be returning to her old school, Oakbank, on Friday, January 19, to hold a fundraising quiz for students during the lunch break. A cash prize of £20 donated by the school is up for grabs.

A charity gig at the Melborn Hotel, in White Abbey Road, Bradford, is also being staged on Saturday, January 20, at 7.30pm.

Bands performing include Random Harvest, Cheesy Rider and the Cajun Aces, and entry is £2 on the door.

Anyone who would like more information about the events or would like to help Melanie can contact her on 01535 642216.