A TEENAGER from Malvern will spend his gap year improving water, sanitation and hygiene in Nepal.

Edward Pountney, 18, of Pickersleigh Road, will carry out charitable work in the earthquake-stricken country for three months with the International Citizen Service programme and Raleigh International.

In February he will team up with Nepalese volunteers to tackle some of the biggest problems facing the community.

And now the former King's School Worcester pupil has organised an 84-mile cycling challenge - a mile for each day he will spend in Nepal - to raise money for his aid work.

Mr Pountney said: "I'm really excited to get out there.

"This is a unique opportunity to work alongside people from a different culture who have requested help from young volunteers to fight poverty and make a difference where it's needed most."

His solo bike ride on Sunday (November 22) will follow a route throughout Worcestershire taking in Malvern, Worcester, Pershore, Evesham, Broadway and Tewkesbury.

The 18-year-old added: "My cycle ride is a way of making sure developing countries can continue to benefit from the work of future volunteers, so it's vital I reach my target.

"I've been out training in all weathers to be able to complete this challenge and I'm hoping everyone will give generously to reward my efforts."

To sponsor Mr Pountney visit justgiving.com/Edward-Pountney1

All of the money raised goes directly to Nepal and does not fund the UK volunteers.