A VOLUNTEER is preparing for an exciting charity trip to Africa.

Hannah Collinson is travelling to Sierra Leone as part of aid agency CAFOD’s Step into the Gap programme, where she is campaigning, fundraising and raising awareness of the charity's work.

As part of the gap year, the 22-year-old will spend two weeks visiting CAFOD projects and meeting communities who benefit from the work they do.

Ms Collinson said: “In order to prepare for the trip, we have been learning more about social justice, sustainable development and the culture especially linked to Sierra Leone.

“This included a weekend together where we all shared our passion for the trip and cooked authentic styles of food.

“I am really looking forward to learning more about the different cultures, especially learning more about the cassava plant that is grown and harvested in the fields we will be visiting.”

CAFOD is the official aid agency for the Catholic Church in England and Wales.

The charity, which was formed in 1962, works with communities across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East, helping people in those areas to tackle poverty and injustice.