A PEMBROKE teenager with a false leg has been selected along with other disabled young people to enjoy an experience of a lifetime in India.

Philippa Cole, aged 17, from Pembroke School, will be elephant riding and rafting down the river Indus with 31 other people who also suffer from some form of physical, mental or social impairment.

Philippa, who will be heading off to India on July 8th, said: "More than 200 people applied for this trip and I really didn't think I was going to be selected. It's only started to sink in now and I'm getting really excited.

"The holiday is all about team work, and I'm really looking forward to meeting new people, making friends and experiencing life in a different country."

She will be visiting Tibet, Nepal, Kathmandu, Bhutan, Dehli and the Taj Mahal in Agra.

The month-long expedition is being part-funded by the Journey of a Lifetime charity but the participants, who are between 14 and 21, need to raise a minimum of £600 themselves.

Philippa, who lives in Thomas Street in Pembroke, has currently raised £164 through a bakery sale and donations.

Her friends are arranging a concert and other events to help raise money.

Head of special needs at Pembroke School, Chris Evans, who nominated Philippa, said: "She will be a fantastic ambassador for the school. She is a very positive pupil and is always very open and honest about her disability although she copes with it extremely well."

To find out more about her fundraising events or donate money contact Philippa Cole or Chris Evans at Pembroke School on 01646 682461.