A KIND-HEARTED student is travelling to Nicaragua to help its community.

Abbie McKay, 16, from Weymouth, plans to get stuck in and help renovate schools, establish a clean water supply and build housing for vulnerable members of the community.

Abbie’s trip is a World Challenge expedition, a programme which provides educational school trips.

She will also help to design playgrounds, plant vegetable gardens and build extra classrooms, dormitories and toilets at the schools.

Abbie said: “I think it’s going to be great experience. It will help towards things I want to do in the future.

“At the moment, it’s mainly all about fundraising. When we get there, there will be a lot of aid work, hiking and various things. It will be challenging, but I’m very excited.”

Abbie will travel with about 30 others to Nicaragua, where they will also take part in conservation work.

They will work alongside rangers to build camps to launch anti-poaching patrols, carry out maintenance work, go on turtle egg beach patrols and help with tree planting and reforestation.

They will also monitor whale, shark and marine wildlife populations. Abbie has organised events to help raise the £3,000 she needs for the trip.

On October 2, there will be a family day at Wyke Smugglers, on Portland Road. Five local bands will provide live music and there will be face painting, nail art and, weather permitting, a bouncy castle. Tickets for the event, which takes place between 2 and 7pm, cost £4 for adults and £2 for children.

On October 28, a Halloween party will be held at Wyke Working Men’s Club between 7pm and 10pm. There will be a disco, games and fancy dress competitions. £3 for adults and £2 for children.