AN EXCITING, once-in-a-lifetime trip to Thailand is in store later this year for York Brownie leader Gemma Dove.

The 16-year-old Fulford School pupil, who is a young leader at 22nd York Garrison Brownies, in Fulford, has been picked to represent York at the 20th World Scout Jamboree.

The event, which runs from the end of December into January 2003, will see about 30,000 young people from around the world get together in Sattahip, in Chonburi Province.

But first Gemma, who was selected as one of only 20 representatives from the whole of the North East region, has to raise at least £2,500 to pay for her place.

She has already raised about £500 from a sponsored swim and is planning other fundraising ventures, which include walking the Three Peaks with her dad, Trevor, in the summer, but is also looking for sponsors to help her fund the trip.

Money raised over and above the £2,500 is pooled and used to help youngsters from poorer countries get to the event.

She said: "It will definitely be a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I am really looking forward to it. It's going to be all these people from all around the world and we should learn a lot from each other."

Some of the time will be spent focusing on the environment, but Gemma is also hoping to spend a week with a host family, possibly in Japan or Singapore.

Anyone who can help Gemma with donations or sponsorship should call 01904 638661.

Updated: 10:43 Saturday, March 02, 2002