GRADUATE Joanne Hallows is jetting off on an African adventure before joining life in the fast lane as a high-flying chartered accountant in London.

The 22-year-old, who lives in the Whitehall area of Darwen, leaves for Namibia at the end of the month as a member of the world renowned expedition organisers Raleigh International.

Joanne, a former Darwen Moorland and Turton High School pupil, graduated from Durham University last summer with a degree in economics.

She said: "I will be involved in community-based work such as building schools and installing water filters and environmental projects like rhino tracking and studying plant life.

"My only moment of apprehension was when I read a guide book on Namibia naming over 50 types of snake, including cobras and puff adders."

She will take up her traineeship at Price Waterhouse Coopers in London when she returns.

The welfare fund of Darwen company Wolstenholme Rink PLC is among the businesses which have helped Joanne reach her £2,995 appeal target.

Sue Banks of Wolstenholme Rink said: "Joanne's letter really stood out because of the genuine enthusiasm for the expedition which came across in it.

"We are delighted to help her achieve her goal and look forward to hearing about her experiences when she arrives back."

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