A YOUNG woman from North Tawton embarked on the trip of a lifetime this week, when she left Devon to join an environmental expedition to Chile.
Claire Shields, who is 18, will spend ten weeks working alongside local volunteers and other people from around the world on the trip organised by youth charity Raleigh International.
During her time in Chile, Claire will participate in three different projects ? a community based one, which could involve building facilities for local people or undertaking housing improvements, plus a conservation and adventure project in Patagonia.
Before she left Britain on Tuesday, one of 100 Raleigh International volunteers, Claire said she was ?thoroughly looking forward to the challenge and experience? of living and working in Chile.
Claire had to pass a rigorous selection weekend held in Oxford before she was selected to go on the Chile trip, a weekend which she hoped would prepare her for life in South America where the temperatures at this time of year are often below zero.
Claire has had to raise the sum of £3,200 to enable her to take part in the Raleigh programme.
She organised many different sponsored events, worked and organised a fundraising dance at Okehampton Rugby Club to reach her target.
She said she would like to thank everyone who has supported her, particularly Okehampton Lions and Rotary clubs who generously donated money towards the trip.