A STUDENT will be swapping East Lancashire for the Far East when he jets off for the trip of a lifetime.

Ryan Baron,16, of Brecon Avenue, Oswaldtwistle, had to tackle the gruelling Krypton Factor assault course to earn a place on the Fulcrum project trip to China next April organised by the Scientific Exploration Society.

Ryan, a student at St Mary's College, Blackburn, will join 18 other ambassadors from the region for the three week visit to Wuhan and Chengdu aimed at strengthening links between China and the North West.

"It's the trip of a lifetime and I'm really looking forward to going," said Ryan who studies A-Level maths, physics, chemistry and biology. "I'm very interested in Chinese medicine and would love to learn about its powers.

"I enjoy travelling and experiencing different cultures and see this as a good opportunity to broaden my horizons."

The students were chosen from a short-list of 50 and were tested on their academic performance, initiative, team work and physical stamina during a weekend training exercise at Holcombe Moor army camp in Rossendale.

The venture which includes trekking in the Himalayan foothills as well asc tours of Hong Kong and Beijing, is one of five similar nationwide community projects backed by British Airways - but each student must raise £800 through sponsorship as an extra challenge.

Ryan added: "I enjoy a challenge and am confident of making the target but would appreciate some extra help."

Companies interested in sponsoring Ryan can call him on 237750.

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