TWO students are hosting an afternoon tea party to raise funds for a volunteering expedition to help communities in Tanzania.

Sixth formers Ellie Harris and Euan McAndry are hoping to raise £4,500 each to take part in a life-enhancing trip to the African country in 2019.

During the trip the 17-year-olds, who are studying A-Levels at Wilmslow High School, will get involved in projects designed to benefit local communities, as well as wildlife and marine conservation.

These include the building of community buildings and sanitation facilities, digging animal watering holes, and clearing beaches of marine plastic.

But first, they must raise the money to make the journey, which is why they’re holding the first of several fundraising events to help them hit their target.

Ellie, who is already putting half of her weekly wage from The Botanist in Alderley Edge towards the trip, said she was inspired to go on the expedition after hearing about other pupil’s experiences.

She said: “It’s something that the school offers every year and from what I’ve learned former students, it’s an amazing opportunity to help other people who maybe don’t have the same opportunities as us.”

Ellie, who studies art, business studies, and food science and nutrition, hopes she will be able to share some of her skills during the expedition.

She said: “I feel really strongly about helping these communities out and think it’s important to try to make a difference if you can. I hope I’ve got something to give that will help.”

Ellie’s mum Sara said: “I’m very proud of them. I do a lot of fundraising myself and I know how hard it can be asking for help raising money, but they’re really thinking about ways to do it that are nice for our local community too. I really hope it’s a success for them.”

Ellie and Euan’s afternoon tea party takes place on Sunday, July 22, from 2pm to 4pm at Woodford Community Centre on Chester Road. Tickets are £10 and include high tea with a glass of bubbly on arrival.

Contact Sara Harris on 07742 816847, sharris72@sky.com or Judy McAndry on 07973 987466, jmcandry@me.com for tickets.