A Norfolk teenager is taking on a gruelling 225km trek across Scandinavia and into the Arctic Circle to raise money for charity.

If that was not tough enough, Helenor Cox will have her own team of dogs to lead and a sled with all of her kit and the dog's.

The 19-year-old, from Hilborough, near Watton, is studying aeronautical engineering at Loughborough University and will be joined for 15 others on the week-long expedition organised through her student union.

She will be doing the trek in April to raise money for The National Autistic Society a charity close to her heart.

She said: 'I have friends and family who are autistic and I can see the work that the charity does is really good.'

The student added: 'I am hoping I complete the challenge and I get some sort of satisfaction that I have done something that not many people have. I think probably the hardest thing is going to be learning to use the sled and it will be quite chilly.'

Miss Cox is no stranger to taking on difficult challengers and charity fundraisers.

As a Cadet Flight Sergeant in the Air Training Corps at 864 (Watton) Squadron, she has completed the annual Nijmegen Marches - marching 100 miles over four days across Holland - three times and is hoping to do it again this year.

Known for her community work the teenager was nominated last year for the Wayland Volunteer of the Year award. She also helps at the Watton Christian Community Centre coffee mornings and other local fundraising activities.

Miss Cox, who has ambitions to join the RAF, hopes to raise a minimum of £2,650. The cost of the expedition is being met through her own funding and donations.

She has to raise £1,250 by the end of this month and has currently raised more than £800.

The air cadet said she is nervous but also looking forward to the once in a lifetime trip.

She said: 'I am hoping to see the Northern lights and experiencing a different country. I really like dogs so that was one of the main attractions.

'I really like the snow and I have always wanted to go to the Arctic Circle.

'I think it is going to be really enjoyable and something I will remember for a long time.'

To sponsor Helenor visit her fundraising page.