A teenager from Bushey is embarking on a challenging African adventure to raise money for charity this summer.

Elliot Werth, of Heathbourne Road, will live among a Kenyan community while teaching English at an orphanage before heading to Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

Travelling with another friend, his target sum of £3,000 will go to children's charity Rays of Sunshine, focused on granting wishes for children fighting life-threatening illnesses.

Elliot said: "I'm actually sponsoring wishes so it's unbelievable to know where your money's going, what it's doing and who you're actually helping.

"I am nervous but I do enjoy raising money and this will be a huge challenge."

Between studying for his A-levels, the 18-year-old is taking part in a training programme of long walks and leg strengthening exercises, which he hopes will help build his stamina for the mountain's steep gradient.

One thing he cannot prepare for however is the altitude, with Africa's highest mountain sitting 5,895 metres above sea level.

The climb will consist of an eight-day trek along the Mechame route to the summit of Uhuru, the highest peak of Kilimanjaro.

The Immanuel College student has so far raised £2,100 and is confident he can reach his target before he leaves on July 25.

Elliot said he is looking forward to the challenging trek, and is already setting his sights on his next adventure.

He said: "This may be the first of many, but I'm starting big."

To sponsor Elliot, visit his fundraising page.