A YOUNG adult leader for Tavistock Girl Guides is busy preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime trip teaching guides in Cambodia.

Eighteen-year-old Charlotte Mellor from Tavistock has been involved with the girl guiding movement from the age of four, and is now fundraising to embark on her biggest challenge yet — a 'Gold Project' to teach English, Leadership, PR and fundraising training to Cambodian Girl Guides in August.

Charlotte, who is currently studying for her A-Levels at Devonport High School for Boys and works at Coffee and Cream Patisserie in Tavistock, is an adult leader for Tavistock and assists with running the rainbow unit while continuing to be a member of the senior section.

'I have always been involved with girl guiding — it has played a big part in my life,' said Charlotte.

'I'm always looking for more things to do, more challenges. This is a really good opportunity and I wanted to take it up.'

After applying and being selected to attend an INTOPS (International Opportunities) weekend in Edinburgh, Charlotte was selected to attend the GOLD (Girl Guiding Overseas) project to Cambodia in the summer for three weeks. She was the only candidate to be selected from this region.

'GOLD projects provide members of girl guiding opportunities for personal development, through participation in community development overseas.

'I hope to be able to assist in aiding the Cambodian guides with the development of their community and of guiding within their area,' said Charlotte, who will be part of a team with five other girls from across the UK.

They will attend two briefing weekends before the adventure, to meet each other, collate ideas, plan what they aim to achieve during their stay and organise their resources.

During the trip the team will travel around different areas of Cambodia.

Charlotte said: 'There will be a mixture of places for us to stay — in the HQ and in houses on stilts, and we will be teaching groups from anything between 16 people and 60 people.

'On my return I hope to share my experiences with my current rainbow group, as well as the wider team of brownies, guides and rangers within the Tavistock area, to inspire others to consider applying for this opportunity as I was inspired while I was a guide.'

Charlotte is currently fundraising to raise the £2,300 needed to take part in the experience. She already has around £1,000 and has organised a bingo evening next month to help raise the total.

'I have been applying to charities and organisations for support and have been working a lot — all my pay is going towards the trip.

'As well as funding the briefing weekends, I need to raise money for medical expenses, vaccinations, equipment and clothing suitable for the climate I will be in.

'It seems like all I have been doing is talking about the trip — I just can't wait to go now.'

The bingo evening will be held on March 27 at 7.30pm in the Tavistock Guide Hall.

Tickets are £5 and include five games. There will also be a raffle and refreshments during the evening.

Charlotte has funded many of the prizes herself but would appreciate any individual or business that would like to contribute to the raffle or towards her trip.

Anyone who would like to help can call Charlotte on 07581 308644 or email [email protected]">[email protected]