Snakes alive! She's off to Costa Rica

Tracy Woodward has been awarded the Thwaites Scholarship, which will take her on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Costa Rica -- and even taunts about snakes and spiders from her dad won't stop her.

Traditionally dependent on coffee, banana and beef exports, Costa Rica now attracts thousands of 'eco-tourists' each year.

Visitors are attracted by the tropical forests with abundant flora and fauna, including 1,000 species of orchid and 850 species of birds such as macaws and toucans.

Its Caribbean coast with swamps and sandy beaches is also a big draw.

The scholarship is provided to enable young people the opportunity to experience a way of life different to our own.

In order to win the award Tracy had to demonstrate she had made a contribution towards an organisation or her local community.

She has been involved with numerous activities raising money for charities, including fasting twice for overseas development and organising shoe boxes filled with presents and useful items for needy children abroad.

As well as her charitable role Tracy is currently studying for three A-levels, works at a local hotel and sings in St John the Baptist's church choir.

Tracy, 17, will be accompanied by other successful youngsters from around the country and will have to participate in group training activities beforehand to ensure she is ready for the trip.

Tracy said: "I can't wait to go -- I wish the trip were next week. I think it will be nervewracking to meet the group but I am looking forward to the activities. There were eight other candidates that were put forward for the award so it was quite a shock to receive the news.

"My family is really pleased and my dad keeps teasing me about sleeping with spiders and snakes!"

Chris Keogh, an education director at the college, said: "We're delighted that Tracy has been offered this wonderful opportunity to visit Costa Rica -- she will be an excellent ambassador for Burnley College."