Laura Whiting is gearing up for a ten-week expedition to Central America.

The 22-year-old has been selected to visit Costa Rica and Nicaragua in July with the youth development charity Raleigh International.

And now the chemistry graduate is busy raising the £3,500 needed to pay for the trip.

It is part of the challenge that all of the volunteers have to raise their own funds.

Laura, who lives at Southfield Road, Burley-in-Wharfedale is hopingg to persuade local businesses to sponsor a day of her expedition for £50.

The former Ilkley Grammar School pupil says: "I am really excited about the expedition.

"This is my gap year between getting my degree last summer and starting law school.

"It is a huge challenge and one I am looking forward to after being picked from the selection weekend at Sheffield.

"Now I am busy trying to raise the money. I am contacting businesses in the hope they will back me. In return for sponsorship I will provide them with regular updates from Costa Rica and Nicaragua.

The expedition has two main themes. The volunteers will be working on community and environmental projects.

They will be working alongside local volunteers and people from around the world.

"The work is very challenging and diverse," said Laura who is currently working as an administrative assist at the Leeds Super Tram project to raise finance for the adventure.

"We could be building schools and other community buildings in Nicaragua which need to be able to withstand hurricanes, while in Costa Rica there will be a lot environmental projects.

"The countires area among the most bio-diverse nations in the world and that will add to the challenge.

"I am really looking forward to the work. I know it will be tough but it is a great opportunity to see another part of the world and work with people from other countries on such worthwhile projects."

Just getting on to the expedition required both mental and physical toughnesss. The selection camp at Sheffield saw the candidates forced to work on exacting projects and problem solving exercises.

They were also forced to sleep outside to replicate as near as possible the conditions which will confront them in Central America.

"The weekend was extremely tough, but it was also really good fun. It's great preparation for expedition life," said Laura.

People wishing to sponsor Laura, or receive further information, can phone 01943 862516.

Anyone over the age of 17 interested in joining future Raleigh International expeditions to countries including Costa Rica, Chile, Borneo / Sabah, Ghana and Namibia should call 020 7371 8585, email info@raleigh.org.uk or visit the website www.raleighinternational.org.