A HAGLEY woman will spend four months working on a water and sanitation project in rural Tanzania.

Katie Nichols will be leading a team of 14 volunteers to help raise awareness of community health issues when she jets off on January 25.

She will be speaking to locals to find out what access they have to water and sanitation services and educating them on water contamination and hygiene.

The 24-year-old who will be travelling with the International Citizen Service programme, has been learning Swahili ahead of the trip but admits it will be "a challenge".

She added: "I'm really excited to learn and experience life in Tanzania. I will be living without running water or electricity, sleeping on the floor in either a tent or in a host home and the only method of communication with family and friends will be via letters."

But before she jets off, Katie, who is a volunteer selector and regional rep for development agency Restless Development, must raise £800.

The cash will contribute to the projects running overseas and she will raise it by holding cake sales and running, walking and cycling for 100 miles.

She said she feels "motivated" for the challenge, which she will complete in a minimum of 20 mile chunks.

To help Katie reach her fundraising goal, visit www.justgiving.com/Katie-Nichols1.