A CARING Hampshire student is flying to Tanzania next month to help fight the spread of HIV and Aids.

Lydia Cole, 18, from Minstead in the New Forest, has joined Students Partnership Worldwide, which works in some of the world's poorest countries.

Volunteers are often sent to communities where nearly 35 per cent of people are known to be HIV positive.

Lydia, who flies out on February 3, will visit primary schools where she and other young people will teach the pupils basic health care.

She will also work with women's groups during her seven-month stay.

Lydia said: "I've always wanted to go to Africa and so when my gap year came I thought it would be a great opportunity."

Anyone wishing to make a donation to the charity should send their cheque to 17 Deans Yard, London SW1P 3PB.