A STUDENT has funded her own trip to this year's North-east Girlguiding International Community Experience (ICE).

Kirsten Bright, 11, is a student at Ponteland High School and fundraised for her trip by sourcing and preparing multiple hanging pots.

This year's experience involves a trip to Rotterdam.

The Girlguiding North-east's website explains the experience is aimed at guides aged 11 to 13. The purpose of an ICE weekend is to give girls a taste of community action, increase their global awareness and prepare them for international experiences.

Hexham Courant: Kirsten and her younger sister ThaliaKirsten and her younger sister Thalia (Image: Supplied)

It provides a chance for the girls to experience what community action involves in an international setting, exploring different communities by volunteering with community links such as RNIB, the Forestry Commission on the Isle of Man, Guide Dogs and other organisations.

Hexham Courant: Kirsten and her mother EmmaKirsten and her mother Emma (Image: Supplied)

Emma Blackman, Kirsten's mother, said: "Kirsten has worked extremely hard to source and prepare multiple hanging flowerpots to sell in order to raise the money herself.

"Caring, academic and always there to give a helping hand, Kirsten is hoping to put a smile on many faces with her fundraising and final project."

The final project is five days long and includes exciting opportunities along with volunteering work.