FUNDraising has started in earnest for the next Ballard School expedition to Kenya.

Students plan to raise at least £2,500 for the vital materials needed to complete an array of projects in the poverty-stricken African country.

Previous visits have seen pupils digging foundations for new classrooms, building houses for the homeless, clearing bush track and removing rubbish from beaches.

They have even made paper out of elephant dung.

After all their hard work, the youngsters then get the chance to go on safari, play sport and take part in scuba-diving lessons.

Previous trips have seen pupils getting up close and personal with cheetahs,lions and warthogs and there have also been some tough contests against local football and netball teams.

Head teacher of the New Milton independent school Alastair Reid said: “The trips to Kenya have become a real favourite in the school’s fundraising calendar.

“We try to do something like this every other year because the benefits are so rewarding,” he said. “Kenya 2011 was very successful and our pupils are well on their way to raising the necessary funds for the 2013 trip,” he added.

Youngsters plan to sell home-made cakes, host jumble sales, arrange car washing days and take part on various sponsored events.