A TRIP of a lifetime beckons for a Leyland vet (pictured) who is to jet off to Africa next month as a volunteer for charity.

Rebecca Dixon, 26, from Dalehead Road, Leyland, will fly out to Malawi on February 3 for a two-year stay with the Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO).

She will have an advisory role, liaising with the government and community over the treatment of livestock as well as training animal health workers in the Shiri Valley where she will live during her time in Africa.

"Animals are very important to communities in the country and act as a stable currency. They are a walking bank account, so their health is paramount," she said.

"It will be a challenging post. I will have to strike a balance between what the government wants and the needs of the population."

Rebecca, who attended Leyland's St Mary's High School, in Royal Avenue, before studying to be a vet at Cambridge University, has been a locum for the last year in Cardiff and London.

But she expects her forthcoming placement to carry a lot more responsibility.

She added: "I'm not just going to be working overseas it is also a big step on the career ladder.

"I will definitely miss out in the English countryside during lambing time, but I'm looking forward to escaping the hectic lifestyle of London."

The VSO is an international development charity which uses the skills and experience of our volunteers to help tackle poverty in 74 of the world's poorest countries.

Volunteers are aged between 21 and 68 and work overseas for two years on a local salary.

For VSO recruitment information telephone the enquiries desk on 020 8780 7500.