A GEOGRAPHY student has launched a fundraising campaign as she bids to climb six volcanoes in nine days.

Phoebe Meredith, 21, of The Danes, Chepstow, is taking part in the daring challenge in Central America to raise money for the charity Hope for Children.

The third year undergraduate at University of Exeter is one of 40 taking part in the challenge, alongside students from her university, as well as others from Universities of Nottingham and Kent.

She is required to raise £2,790 to take part in the challenge, with half the total going to Hope for Children and the rest towards the costs of the trip.

“As soon as I heard there were volcanoes involved I said I would be up for the challenge,” said Ms Meredith, who plans to apply to take an MA in volcanology.

“I had my heart set on getting involved in this field since I was 16-years-old and I am currently working on a dissertation which is on volcanoes.”

Some of the volcanoes which the group will climb are still active and Ms Meredith said she hopes she may see them erupt. The volcano expert said the challenge will be “a bit dangerous”, but said she is looking forward to it.

Among the six volcanoes scaled will be the highest peak in Central America, Volcán Tajumulco, at around 4,200 metres. The group will also climb Volcan de Fuego , which is one of the most active volcanoes in Central America.

Money raised will be donated to Hope for Children, which helps children grow up in safe conditions in eight countries in central and eastern Europe and Africa. Ahead of the challenge in August next year, Ms Meredith must raise £2,790 to be able to take part.The geography student has launched an online fundraising page and plans to hold other fundraising events to reach her total.

She wrote on her fundraising page: “I’m amazed and inspired that such a small but vital charity can help so many children all across the world. I’m determined to help them by raising awareness of their brilliant work and give them the necessary funding they need to continue doing this.”

To donate, visit falmouth2018.everydayhero.com/uk/phoebe-s-volcano-trek.