A 17-YEAR-old student is putting her singing talents to good use to raise money for a charity expedition this summer.

Carys Andrews, from Melsonby,  near Richmond, is planning a trip to Ecuador in July with Camps International where she will be involved in projects such as re-building schools and planting rainforests - but she must first £4,000.

With help from her friends, Carys - a sixth former at Richmond School, will perform alongside Steve Wade at a gig in the town's Ship Inn on Saturday, January 25. The music will be accompanied by a selection of fundraising activities.

She said: “I’m just over half-way to my total sum so I’m hoping that this will be a fun way of bringing everybody together to raise a few more pennies.

"I’m so grateful for all the support that I’ve received so far and putting on a gig with such brilliant and well-known local talent will hopefully give something back to those that have helped me- as well as raising more funds.

“I must say a huge thank you to the White Swan at Gilling West too, as they have been a fantastic support so far.”

For information on the upcoming gig or to support Carys in her trip contact her at caryssian96@hotmail.com.