A YOUNG Bolton adventurer is looking for sponsors to help send him on the trip of a lifetime this summer.

Neill Barton, aged 16, has been selected from around 400 applicants to be part of the team of 40 going kayaking in the Arctic with youth development charity BSES Expeditions. He is the youngest on the trip and the only one from the North-west.

Before Neill sets off he must raise nearly £4,000 to cover costs including flights, equipment and food.

The sixth former, who is a student at Canon Slade School, has already managed to raise £1,000 but is hoping local companies will help him meet his target.

Neill, of Hillside Avenue, Bromley Cross, entered the competition last year after his aunt saw it advertised in the Bolton Evening News.

A keen skier who loves the outdoors, he cannot wait to get going. He said: "I'm looking forward to making new friends and to doing the scientific experiments. I'm particularly interested in glaciology."

Neill is studying physics, chemistry, maths and design technology and hopes to go to university to do a degree in engineering.

Mum Sharon said: "We are so proud of him and he will get a lot of support from us."

Anyone interested in sponsoring Neill should call him on 01204 437538. Any extra money raised will go to the neo-natal unit at the Royal Bolton Hospital.