BY IAN ROSS

SIXTH former Karen Cooper is to work with young children this summer on a once in a lifetime trip to India.

The 16-year-old from Knypersley is one of 12 young people from the UK chosen for a Guide visit to the sub-continent.

The group is due to fly out to India in July, and will stay for a week at an international centre run by the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.

Karen, pictured left, will work on a community service project, possibly with young children, before enjoying a sightseeing tour.

Karen is a pupil at Biddulph High School, and young leader with 1st Kidsgrove and 7th Hanley Brownies.

She has to raise £1,500 to fund the trip, and has organised a series of fund-raisers over the coming months.

Biddulph Swimming Club, of which Karen is a member, gave her fund-raising a welcome kick start by giving her a cheque for £150.

She is selling tickets for a Beatles tribute band at the Chicago Rock cafe in Hanley on February 21.

The money raised will be split between Karen and a trip to Germany being organised by Marilyn James from Tunstall Guides.

Karen is organising a sponsored swim and Brownies fun day at Biddulph Leisure Centre, and is also selling birthday cards.

Anyone wishing to sponsor Karen please ring 01782-516047.