TWO Morpeth students have moved a step closer to their dream trip after getting a £500 cash boost.
Melissa Walden and Elizabeth Lyle, both aged 17, hope to visit Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands as part of a World Challenge expedition.
During the trip, the King Edward VI High School pupils will complete various community projects, explore rain
forests and learn more about the delicate environment.
But they must each raise £4,000 to pay for the expedition.
Now training provider A&S Construction Solutions has offered £500 to help them on their way.
Director Sam Young said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for us to be able to support young people in the local area who dream of doing their bit to help others.
"The World Challenge project offers them a unique opportunity to develop their social and communications skills, as well as realising the importance of working as part of a team.
"The challenge that Melissa and Elizabeth are hoping to take part in will see them help families and communities in the Galapagos Islands to paint their schools and buildings, as well as carry out basic construction tasks.
"As specialists in the construction industry we felt strongly that we should do our bit to help them."
The A-level students will spend two weeks in the Ecuadorian rainforests, national parks and communities before embarking on a high altitude trek and jungle adventure.
They will then travel to Isla San Cristobal in the Galapagos Islands to help around the village.
Melissa said: "We are really looking forward to our Summer expedition and are delighted that A&S Construction Solutions has helped to kick start our fundraising campaign.
"We are not just excited about the amazing experiences that the journey will offer, including the chance to explore one of Ecuador's best preserved rainforests and go whale watching, but we are looking forward to getting involved, doing our bit to help improve conditions for locals."
The girls will set off at the end of the month.
Anyone wishing to donate to Melissa and Elizabeth's funds should log onto www.justgiving.com/melissawalden or www.justgiving.com/elizabethlyle
