Ranger Jo Wilks is off to New Zealand in January after fellow Guides, Brownies and Cubs staged a gang show to help send her on her way.

Jo, 15, of Holt Drive, Wickham Bishops, will be one of ten youngsters representing this country at a World Jamboree to be held in Rotorua Bay, New Zealand.

The teenager scooped the trip of a lifetime after attending an international selection day in Witham.

Jo, who has had to raise £1,700 towards the cost of the trip, will join 5,000 Guides and Rangers from across the world.

Mrs Wilks said: "This is all part of the fun. Jo has been fundraising since she was selected."

She added: "Because of the millennium the air fares have gone up and Jo has had to come up with a few extra events."

Last week, her Guide, Rainbow, Brownie, Beavers Cub and Ranger friend all took to the stage at Wickham Bishops Village Hall in a one-off performance for parents, friends and family raising £168

The talented youngsters danced, sung and played flutes and keyboards - while the leaders performed a version of panto favourite Cinderella.

Funds were also boosted by a raffle, treasure hunt and tombola organised by the Brownies and Rainbows.

A disco is hoped to raise the balance of the fare.

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