Adventurous Shipley teenager Jonathan Scrimshaw will celebrate the end of his exams with a trek across China.

The 16-year-old Bingley Grammar School pupil will complete his 11 GCSEs this summer and head off for the K2 2000 journey.

Jonathan - a member of the Yorkshire Rugby Union squad - was selected by Yorkshire Exploration Society and will be one of 16 youngsters climbing around 16,000 feet to the advanced base camp of K2 mountain, the second highest mountain in the world.

The group will trek with camels through the Chinese Karakoram and camp with Kirghiz nomads who will provide them with milk and yoghurt from their herd of yaks. After reaching the camp on K2, where they will be just below the snow line, the group will fly to Beijing to visit the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City.

Jonathan, of Ivy Road, Shipley, saw the trip advertised in the Telegraph & Argus and was chosen from dozens of hopefuls.

"I saw the advert and decided it was something that I would really like to do. I've been in the Scouts but I've never done any serious back-packing. I've always loved outdoor pursuits and to be given the chance to do this was just great. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"I've met the other people taking part and I think we are all going to get on really well. I'm really looking forward to it."

Jonathan's mother, Debbie, said: "I'm sure he will have a great time. He's a great kid and works really hard at everything he does."

All 16 will set off on July 24 for one month but they must raise £4,000 before they leave.

Jonathan has raised more than £2,500 through sponsored walks and car boot sales. And he is hoping to raise more at a fundraising evening tomorrow.

"It's really difficult trying to raise the money, especially with my weekends taken up playing rugby. I'm hoping tomorrow's event will push me towards my target."

It will be held at Bradford and Bingley Rugby Club, Wagon Lane, Bingley, from 8pm to midnight. There will be a bar, disco and supper as well as raffles with prizes donated from local businesses. Tickets cost £4.

For more information about the evening or to donate money or prizes call 07941 146753.

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