A TEENAGER from the Allen Valleys is preparing to leave his home comforts behind for an entire year.

Thomas Barnes will head for China in September, where he will spend 12 months teaching conversational English to the local people.

The 17-year-old, currently in his final year of sixth-form at Haydon Bridge High School, has signed up to a voluntary placement specifically designed for school leavers with the educational charity, Project Trust.

Thomas, who lives between Allendale and Ninebanks, isn’t fazed by his forthcoming international venture, and hopes it will inspire his eventual career path.

But the youngster, who is currently studying physics, maths and further maths, must work hard alongside his studies to make the trip happen.

Over the coming months, he must raise £6,000 to cover his expenses, and will be organising a variety of events in support of his mission.

“I’ve always like the idea of doing something like this,” said Thomas, “and as soon as the opportunity came along, I thought it was too good to turn down.

“It will be a great experience to spend a year in a different country, to embrace the culture and to help the people there.

“I’ve been abroad a few times, but not to Asia, so I’m looking forward to spending time in China.”

Thomas will not know until June where he is going to be based, but has already been given a reasonable idea of what his new lifestyle will be like.

He explained: “It’s possible that I could stay with a host family as part of the project.

“I will be teaching in a school environment, and it may well be that I stay in school accommodation. I could be teaching people of different ages.

“Once I know which region I will be going to, I will have to learn their language, because it varies from region to region.

“It’s important that I have a good understanding of the basics for my teaching to be effective.”

Thomas became aware of the Project Trust when a representative of the charity visited Haydon Bridge High School last summer to speak to pupils about the voluntary placements on offer.

Soon afterwards, Thomas visited the Isle of Coll, in the Inner Hebrides, to stake his claim for a placement, and he was selected.

Thomas added: “I’m pleased that I made a good impression. I’ve had the chance to do a bit of teaching in school, and it’s good to think I can help other people.

“The project was looking to select young people who are committed enough to spend a year away from home in a foreign country, and it’s something I’m very keen to do.

“I’ll be teaching people how to speak the basics of conversational English, and also about the mannerisms we use to express ourselves when speaking in English.”

Over the coming months, Thomas is preparing to organise various fund-raising events, including a ceilidh, a beetle drive, an auction and raffles.

A sponsored run and a special event to celebrate Chinese New Year on February 8, are also in the pipeline.

After his international year-out, Thomas intends to go to university.

He’s not yet sure what he will study, but admits his older sister Francesca, who currently attends the University of Stirling in Scotland, is a good source of advice.

For more information on Project Trust, visit www.projecttrust.org.uk. To support Thomas, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=barnes-projecttrust