AN adventurous Bromsgrove woman is heading out to Africa for an eight-day charity trek across the desert.

It will be something of a homecoming for Mandy Church, who spent the first eight years of her life on the continent - though on the East rather than the West.

The 46-year-old spent her early years in Uganda and Kenya and is looking forward to going back again.

"It is a really colourful and interesting place," said Mandy, who lives in Pavilion Gardens, Barnsley Hall, and works for the Amateur Swimming Association. "It's also going to be very hot."

Mandy, who has a 22-year-old daughter, decided to try the eight-day 75-mile trek in Namibia to raise money for Cancer Research after relatives suffered from the illness. Now she is getting into training before flying out to meet the rest of the walking group on April 24.

She has already raised £1,000 and is now looking for help to raise another £2,000. Anyone who wants to help can call 07979 245409.