TEENAGER Alex Mortimer, from Potterne, near Devizes, hopes to help communities in Costa Rica and Nicaragua by going on an expedition with Raleigh International.

Alex, 17, is appealing for sponsorship to enable him to go on the three-week expedition with other young people.

Alex, who is working as a gardener at Elite Racing Club, in Littleton Panell, near Devizes, said going on the expedition would be a dream come true.

He said: "I want to go on the expedition because I feel it would be fulfilling and it will help other people's lives and their environment in Costa Rica and Nicaragua.

"The expedition will be building houses for those badly affected by the civil war in Nicaragua.

"In Costa Rica there are various projects I will be involved in such as environmental research and eco-tourism.

"I have always wanted to go travelling and to go on an expedition such as this would be a dream come true."

Alex, a former pupil of Lavington School, has so far raised £1,200 towards the £3,500 he needs.

He has raised the money by doing various sponsored events, including walking on his hands and holding a race night.

Another fundraising event will take place in July when he and his friends will undertake a 26-mile trek in the Brecon Beacons, in Wales

Alex's sister, Bethany, 14, has also done her bit to help. She and 50 other pupils at Lavington School took part in a sponsored silence to raise money .

Alex said: "They decided to do the sponsored silence after I went in and gave a talk about the expedition. I was impressed with the number of people who did it, I wasn't expecting it."

Alex is also hoping the expedition will help him decide what career he wants to pursue.

Anyone who would like to sponsor Alex can contact him on (01380) 730030.