GLOBETROTTING grandma, Trish Taylor, sets off for the tropical islands of the Maldives on her latest charity mission.

But the daring Darwener, of Robin Bank, will not be sipping cocktails by the pool or bronzing herself under palm trees.

Intrepid Trish is heading for the Indian Ocean island armed with blackboard and text books to take up her latest challenge as a member of the Voluntary Service Overseas.

"I'm really looking forward to going," said the fearless 51-year-old teacher. "I'll be training apprentice science teachers for the first time so it'll be quite a challenge.

"I like to travel and help others and the Maldives is very beautiful but very poor so it will be very satisfying working there."

The adventurous mother-of-two departs on February 26 and will be stationed for two years at the Institute of Teacher Education in the capital, Mali.

But Trish is no stranger to exotic parts having spent placements in Nigeria, Kenya and Tonga.

And it is not just the locals who benefit from her charity.

"My family certainly don't have any worries when it comes to choosing somewhere to go on holiday.

"They came and stayed with me in Tonga and it was great company. I do miss them and Darwen but not the cold weather."

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