A Newport schoolgirl has been given a helping hand from a car dealership in the city so she can volunteer in Africa.

Fifteen-year-old Rebecca Porter, a pupil at Llanwern High School, has received sponsorship from Wessex Garages for a trip of a lifetime to Kenya to volunteer at schools in developing areas.

Rebecca said: “I need to raise £1,865 to pay for my trip and Wessex’s support is a great help towards my target. I will be wearing a t-shirt on the trip and also during my fundraisers and Wessex Garages has sponsored me £350 to have their logo on my t-shirt. The trip is being organised with my school and the company African Adventures. We will be going after our summer exams in July 2017.

“During the trip I will be working with partner schools in Kenya to provide an education for children from underprivileged backgrounds by coaching sport, engaging in community work, and providing teaching assistance. I’m really looking forward to also experiencing the local culture and wildlife.”

Rebecca and her fellow pupils will work at non-governmental organisation schools with children from underprivileged communities in Nakuru.

Martin Watts, general manager at the dealership on Newport Retail Park, said: “We’re delighted we could help Rebecca with her sponsorship. It will be a life-changing school expedition with rewarding and meaningful volunteering experience. We can’t wait to hear all about Rebecca’s trip when she gets back.”

Wessex Garages has outlets in Newport, Bristol, Cardiff and Gloucester.