A Malmesbury student has her sights set high as she prepares to climb Mount Kilimanjaro for charity.

Sian Stinchcombe, 20, of Lea, is fundraising for the epic trek that will see her climb the 19,374 foot mountain in Tanzania over six days in aid of Meningitis UK.

Ms Stinchcombe, who is studying illustration at Plymouth University, will be embarking on the trip alongside 40 other students from around the UK next August.

She said: “I wanted to support Meningitis UK because it’s quite close to home, especially for students, and not many people know much about it when they need to be aware of the symptoms.”

The former Malmesbury School student added: “I’m feeling a mix of emotions about climbing Kilimanjaro. It’s going to be a struggle but I am up to the challenge.”

Ms Stinchcombe, who works at Westonbirt Arboretum during the summer break, has to raise £3,000 for her chosen charity before she heads off.

To help, visit her JustGiving page on http://tinyurl.com/pqnvfhr