Two intrepid teens are fundraising for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Africa.

Katie Grevelle (CORR) and Emma Carpenter, both 15, will be working in Kenya next summer on a project with the Scouts and Dorset Expeditionary Society.

The project will see youngsters helping to build community structures such as schools and hospital extensions.

Katie and Emma, both pupils at the Thomas Hardye School, will have to pay expenses for the trip, which their parents are funding, but in addition they each have to raise £1,500 towards construction and infrastructure costs. All of the money goes into the community as Dorset Expeditionary Society is a non-profit organisation.

Emma's mum Angie said the girls are putting half their wages from their waitressing jobs towards the cost, and have also been busy fundraising.

A silent auction they held at the end of June raised £1,200 with prizes including a family ticket to Camp Bestival, luxury stay at Silverlake, gliding experience, tickets to a number of local family attractions and vouchers for some culinary delights.

The girls thanked all the organisations who donated auction lots for the event.

Angie said: "I think at first they were a bit daunted by how much money they have to raise but opportunities like this do not arise very often and if they don't do it now they never will."

Angela Courtney, Katie's mum, said it was the tip of a lifetime for the girls, who have been friends since they were young children.

She added: "Predominantly a working expedition this is a joint venture with the Scouting Association UK. The Scouts will spend the majority of their time working on various community development projects in Murugi, central Kenya. Over the years these trips have improved educational and health facilities in the community, including building and renovating school facilities and a hospital, which they continue to extend. The scope of work completed since 1998 is phenomenal

"Relaxation for the group will consist of climbing Mount Kenya – a challenge many an adult would baulk at! They will be practicing for this soon with a trek to the top of Mount Snowdon."

The girls' next fundraising venture will be a bingo evening, with the date to be announced.