Robert's egg and spoon record bid

A north Norfolk apprentice hopes an epic egg and spoon race will help him provide vital aid to poverty-stricken families in Peru.

Robert Highe, from North Walsham, plans to switch his job as an apprentice planner with BT for two weeks to help build a medical centre in a South American slum and then to help families in a remote Andean village.

The trip is part of a scheme run by his employers and will see 30 BT workers from across the country travel to Peru.

Each employee has to raise �3,500 to take part in the challenge and the money will fund Mr Highe's flights and accommodation, as well as contributing to the materials needed for the medical centre and to improve the water supply in one community.

Twenty-year-old Mr Highe, who lives with his parents and younger sister, said he had a number of fundraising ideas up his sleeve - including an unusual record attempt.

He said: 'It would be for the longest egg and spoon race - we'd go from North Walsham to Norwich. I've put in for it and am waiting to see if it is accepted.'

Mr Highe, who is in the second year of his three-year apprenticeship, has also arranged a fundraising meal at The Vine in North Walsham on July 31, a five-a-side competition on August 2, and a charity race night on August 7.

Leaving on September 11, he will spend a week in the heart of the slums which surround Peru's capital, Lima, helping to build a medical centre which will serve five communities and about 2,000 people.

The following week the group will work to provide water collection facilities in the remote Misiminay community in the Andes, which currently has access to just one bucket of water per person per day.

Living with a local family, he will also work on their farm and teach in the village school before setting out on a physically demanding four-day trek along the original Inca Trail.

To sponsor Mr Highe, visit www.charitygiving.co.uk/ roberthighe or to find out more about his fundraising events call 07918 728193.