A SIDMOUTH College student has got in a right pickle as she fundraises for a trip to Tanzania to carry out voluntary community, environmental and wildlife work.

Year 13 student Megan Hook has been selling homemade chutneys and jams at events, including the college’s recent Christmas Craft fair.

And the preserves are selling like hotcakes as so far she’s raised nearly £2,000. The month-long trip next July is being organised by Camps International.

“A group of 12 of us from Sidmouth College are going to Tanzania to do community work, like building schools and wells,” said Megan. “We’re also doing animal conservation stuff and a mountain hike. I thought it would be good experience. I’ve always wanted to go to Africa and I thought if I can go and help out there as well, that would be good.”

Megan is studying psychology for her A-levels.

“I want to go into working with teenagers,” she said, “so working with people out in Tanzania will help. We’ve had to fundraise it all. They didn’t want us to just get a cheque off our parents or whatever.”

To create the preserves, Megan has been working with her mum.

“Obviously I’m still at school, so Mum has been making them and I’ll help out by putting them in the jars, doing all the lids and decorating the labels.”

So what’s her favourite jam?

“Ooooh… the cherry plum one! It works well on toast!”

Megan still needs to raise funds for the trip. If you wish to donate, contact her via Sidmouth College (01395 514823), or visit: www.sidmouthcollege.devon.sch.uk/

For more information about the Tanzania trip, visit:www.campsinternational.com/school-expeditions/africa-expeditions