15643/06A CARER from Trowbridge who works with autistic adults is raising money for a five-day trek to Cuba to raise awareness of the condition.

Teresa Hibbs, 22, of Gloucester Road, will fly to the Cuban wilderness in November to face a gruelling nine-hour-a-day trek, organised by the National Autistic Society.

Miss Hibbs, who works at a Trowbridge care home, is working hard to raise funds while learning to overcome a fear of steep hills.

Participants have to raise at least £2,000 to take part in the trek from November 13 to 22.

The journey will take walkers through limestone canyons, coffee plantations and mango orchards.

Miss Hibbs said she is gearing up for the challenge.

"It will be a really good experience but it is something good to help raise awareness in this area," she said.

"I have been going to the gym because I am not fit at all.

"I have a phobia of steep hills so I have been doing lots of walks."

The 22-year-old took a two-year care course at Trowbridge College before starting work at the home.

Speaking about her love for the job, she said: "It is something different every day. People with autism have really complex needs and it takes a lot of thinking to work out what is right for them."

Miss Hibbs has already raised £1,000 but is planning a host of fundraising activities, including a race night at The Lamb, Edington and a bring and buy sale at the Conservative Club in Gloucester Road, Trowbridge on Sunday.