A DEDICATED Preston teacher is preparing to swap life in the classroom for a while to take up a new challenge, trekking across New Zealand!

High school teacher Nafis Dayala, 27, is planning to pull on her hiking boots and journey to the island where the blockbuster film The Lord of the Rings was filmed.

Energetic Nafis, who works as a science teacher at Fulwood High School, Preston, is aiming to complete her mighty mission next year in a bid to raise loads of cash for charity Mencap.

Nafis, who lives in Fulwood, said: "I'm very much looking forward to the trek as I love the great outdoors. However, for me, it's more of a mental challenge than a physical one as I am afraid of walking in pitch darkness which, without doubt, will happen."

Despite her fears charity champ Nafis is hoping to rake In buckets of cash for the good cause which annually raises thousands of pounds for people with learning disabilities.

And, after working as a carer during her teenage years, she is more than happy to take time out to help raise vital funds for the good cause.

"All charities that support learning disabilities are close to my heart," she said. "From personal experience I understand the needs of both the carer and those being cared for."

To help their teacher hit the jackpot staff and pupils at the Blackbull Lane school are planning to hold a non-uniform day to help pull in the cash.

Nafis's charity trek, from one end of New Zealand to the other, will take place during the Easter holidays next year and the teacher plans to be back in the classroom for the start of the summer term.

Fulwood High headteacher Mrs Kath Moss said: "We are very proud that a member of our staff is willing to take part in such a challenge in order to raise money for MENCAP. Caring and helping others are a very important features of the Fulwood Schoo community and Miss Dayala sets a very fine example for our pupils to follow."