FOUR GCSE students from Court Fields School in Wellington are fundraising for their expedition to Madagascar later this year.

They have been working hard collecting towards their target amount over the past year and will be holding a comedy night fundraiser on Friday, February 9, at Wellington Rugby Club.

The line-up of professional comedians includes host for the evening Stephanie Laing, who has appeared at the Edinburgh Fringe, and headliner Big Lou, a regular on the Manchester comedy scene. They will be joined by David Arnold, Matt Bratt and Joseph Emslie.

The 16-day expedition to Madagascar will see the students spend time at the start and end of the trip staying in a children’s home in the capital city Antananarivo (Tana), taking part in activities with the children living there.

They will also visit a school Court Fields has provided financial support to over a number of years for various projects and will stay in a local village.

They will go to one of the National Parks and take part in a conservation project – and, it is hoped, see some of Madagascar’s unique plants and animals, including lemurs.

Tickets for the comedy evening are available in advance priced £10 from Odette’s Tea Room, Wellington, [email protected] or £12 on the door. The event, suitable for 16-plus, includes a bar and raffle. Doors open 7pm and the show starts at 8pm.