A school fundraising stalwart is helping her daughter reach Kilimanjaro - to boost the fight against meningitis and blood poisoning.

Exams are looming for Loughborough University student Laura Clode, so her mum Liz is pitching in to raise money for her trek.

This September, Laura will be swapping the comfort of Primley Road for the trials of Tanzania and the highest peak in Africa.

She will be trekking for six days, ranging from around six hours on day one to as many as 18 hours on day five when the group she is part of pushes for the summit.

Laura is well-known for her cycling, recently appearing on television competing in the Revolution series, while people in Sidmouth will recognise her from her job in Dukes during her university holidays.

She is fundraising for the Meningitis and Septicaemia Foundation, a charity working to tackle two conditions that claim 1,000 lives each day.

The Clode family is hosting a beetle drive at All Saints Church Hall on February 6. Tickets (£5 including a hot supper) are available from Wendy’s House in Old Fore Street or Liz on 01395 513389.

They are also planning an Easter craft fair on March 19. To hire a table, call Alexa on 07734 572787.