CARING Steve Lever is a man who loves a challenge -- and he has certainly got one on his hands at the moment.

For Steve is preparing to travel to Ghana next month where he will spend 10 weeks trekking through the wilds as part of an environmental and community project.

However, the 25-year-old, who lives in Grosvenor Housing Association's Ravenhead Foyer, St Helens, must first raise £700 to pay for his place and is appealing to local businesses to help him.

Steve's trip has been organised by the Raleigh International charity and is composed of various distinct projects. These will include trekking and canoeing expeditions and the chance for Steve to work alongside fellow young people on an environmental initiative restoring safari trails and another project to improve life in local schools and communities within the remotest parts of Ghana.

Steve learned about Raleigh International after moving into the Foyer six months ago and was one of just 22 young people out of almost 70 applicants from around the country, selected to take part.

He said: "It's a great opportunity and one I would never have dreamed of before I came to the Foyer. It's amazing to look back and see how far I've come in the last six months."

Steve has already raised £450 towards his trip thanks to sponsorship from various companies including Barclays Bank, St Helens Chamber of Commerce and NGF Europe and is hoping for more support from several more local businesses.