SUPPORT from a Stokesley firm means a local student will be able to spend five weeks helping children in one of Africa’s poorest countries this summer.

Analox Sensor Technology, which specialises in the design and manufacture of gas analysers for military and commercial use, is sponsoring 19-year-old Alex Nicholson to take part in the Tanzania Experience, organised by RealGap, a company specialising in volunteering and adventure travel for students.

Alex will spend five weeks in the East African country during which time he will teach English to the children of the Chagga tribe and help build a new school canteen. As well as incorporating voluntary work, the trip will include adventure.

Alex will visit a Masai village while on safari, and will complete his trip by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, African’s highest mountain.

Michelle Morley, marketing manager of Analox Sensor Technology, said: “We wish Alex every success with his trip and hope he will be inspired by the challenges he faces while in Africa. He has promised to send us updates throughout his time there, which we can incorporate into our Analox Blog.”

Alex said: “I’m really grateful to Analox for contributing to my fundraising so I can participate in this project. Much of the money I raise will go towards building materials which will improve the lives of some of the people I meet. “

Alex is currently studying mechanical engineering at Sheffield Hallam University.