AN East Lancashire sixth former has been selected to be a guiding light on the other side of the world.

Alexia Rowbottom, from Accrington, will represent the Guide movement when she visits New Zealand. She leaves on New Year's Eve.

Alex, a student at Westholme School, Blackburn, will be joined by five other rangers and young leaders from across the UK. She said: "I am nervous about going, but I intend to enjoy the trip as much as possible -- it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience."

The group of girls is taking the 28-hour flight to Auckland and then hopping on the Trans-Alpine Express, which will take them to South Island.

Here Alex will be taking part in Clan 2002, an international guide camp, with representatives from around the globe.

For two weeks Alex will take part in ancient sports, rock climbing, abseiling, canoeing and other water sports. The group will then stay for a further week before returning home.

Alex had to go through a tough selection process and then had to raise more than £1,000 to take the trip.

She staged several sales at school and a successful evening of entertainment at her guide unit. She also packed bags at Asda in Accrington.

Donations from several local organisations helped her get close to her goal.

The Westholme sixth former is studying music, English literature, classical civilizations and history.

She hopes to go on to become a professional singer, and currently performs twice a week in the Blackburn Cathedral Girls' Choir and Youth Choir.

Alex said: "I'm very grateful to family, friends and school for all their help."