SIXTH form students from a Portishead school are preparing for an expedition to Costa Rica.

A group of 14 sixth formers from Gordano School will visit the Central American country in July. It is part of a project organised by Raleigh, a well-established youth development organisation that involves young people in community, environmental and adventure projects to help those living in developing countries.

The students will be involved in the building of a primary school classroom in the Tayni Indigenous Reserve, located in a remote area in the foothills of the Matama mountain range.

To help raise funds for the trip, the youngsters are holding an auction at the school hall in St Marys Road on February 9. Doors will open for viewing lots at 7pm and the auction will start at 9pm.

There are already 50 lots which include tickets for major sporting events, signed books, activity days and much more. The evening will include refreshments, entertainment and games.