IT'S the challenge of a lifetime for York man Phil Douglas.

Determined Phil is set to give up his home, job and lifestyle for a year, and instead go it alone on an overland trip to the heart of Africa, to raise money to help educate needy children.

Phil, a service delivery centre controller, with Arriva Trains Northern, said he was inspired to take the radical step by the sights he saw a decade ago.

He said: "Ten years ago, I backpacked around the world and saw the desperate need for schools in the slums of India, Nepal and Thailand.

"I felt I missed out a big chunk in never going to Africa, and knew that there are children who are losing out on a decent life through the lack of opportunities to learn."

He now intends to give up his work, on the operational side of the train service for a year, to raise money for the British-based Charity for African Education.

"The charity builds new schools, maintains existing ones, and sponsors pupils to attend who otherwise wouldn't have the opportunity," said Phil.

Up until last year, he had never even driven a car, but now he is the proud owner of a two-and-a-half-ton former army ambulance.

Having passed his test, Phil is planning a journey through Europe and 26 countries in Africa, to Cape Town. On the journey, he will join in various projects aimed at helping to educate underprivileged youngsters.

Phil intends to sell his home at Acomb, York, and use part of the proceeds to finance the trip.

During Operation Africa, Phil will report back, using a laptop computer and digital camera to update a web site.

Arriva Trains Northern is among the first to back him, and is to give £500 to meet the cost of winding gear he needs to pull the vehicle through tough terrain. He now needs sponsorship to help equip the vehicle properly.

He said: "The journey demands crossing the Sahara, as well as going through countries like Chad, Ethiopia, Kenya and Botswana."

Sponsors chipping in will be given advertising space on the website and on the Land Rover, which has to be fitted with a diesel engine and special fuel tanks to extend its range.

"I thought I either do this now or forget the whole thing," said Phil. "I decided to live my dream and help the children of Africa receive an education."

If you would like to help, email phil@operationafrica.co.uk

Phil's website is www.operationafricaonline.co.uk

Updated: 10:52 Thursday, September 26, 2002