SPOTTING lions and doing the hokey cokey with Tanzanian children is not the everyday life of a Cotswold teenager.

But a group of students were lucky enough to experience that and a lot more on a recent trip to the African country.

Megan Ledbetter, a 16-year-old, from Moreton, was one of the group of 16 students from Chipping Campden School who travelled to Africa with the organisation World Challenge on the charity expedition this summer.

Departing on July 11 for four weeks the group got to take part in a trek through the mountains and go on a safari before heading off to do some work.

They got their hands dirty working in a local village school digging trenches for pathways laying bricks concreting paths, painting classrooms and laying floors, digging trenches for water pipes and working in the classroom teaching lessons with the children.

Miss Ledbetter, of Redesdale Place, Moreton, and the rest of the group had to raise £3,695 each before being able to go on the once in a lifetime trip, which she did with the help of many people, businesses, donations and a couple of part time jobs.

She also held various events bingo coffee mornings, car boots, bag packing and treasure squares, as reported in the Cotswold Journal.

Speaking about her experience Miss Ledbetter said her most memorable moment was teaching the children maths and doing the Hokey Cokey.

She said: "They were so happy and appreciative to see their faces. The amazing scenery during the trek. Can't believe we saw the lions."

And mum Jayne Ledbetter said: "Her first comment to me was can't wait to sleep in a proper bed and not to have to eat porridge for at least a week.

"Meg has said she has learnt so much about herself and teamwork is so important to consider how everyone is feeling.

"She has had a life changing experience which she has learnt so much and would just like to say thank you to all that made this incredible journey possible."