A ROMSEY scout has braved the shave to raise almost a thousand pounds for a trip to build a medical centre in Africa.

Kathleen Beaman, of Romsey was always the envy of her friends with long, waste-length hair, but with the help of Minster B’s Barber Shop in Tee Court, she shaved it off to raise the cash.

She is part of 150-strong group of Scouts from across Hampshire that have set themselves the target of raising £3,000 to reach their Tanzanian adventure.

Between a safari and exciting outdoor activities, they will challenge themselves with a range of community projects, such as helping to build a new medical centre, providing skill workshops and renovating a primary school.

"I’m really looking forward to spending four weeks my unit – we’ve really bonded," said Kathleen.

"The trip will give me a better appreciation of the things we all take for granted in everyday life. Helping the local children to get an education which will provide them with better opportunities for the future will be amazing and life-changing.”

2017 will also see Tanzanian Scouts reach their centenary and Kathleen will help create them a campsite, with facilities, they can use for many years to come. The activity headquarters will also feature a mini-Jamboree where the Scouts from Hampshire and Tanzania will celebrate together and make lifelong friendships.

Lead volunteer Julian Sore added: "Tanzania 2017 will be the adventure of a lifetime for both the young people and adult volunteers. Not only will they have the opportunity to change the lives of local villagers, the experience offers them the chance to learn new skills that they can use in other aspects of their life."

Scouting in Hampshire also has a surprising expedition history, travelling 39,450 miles to 15 countries and territories alone in 2015 - even summiting Everest in the past. This equates to an impressive 1,893,157 people miles; 76 times around the world, or four trips to the moon and back!

Adventurer and Scout ambassador, James Ketchell, said: "Scouting has a positive impact on so many lives around the world. Sharing adventures, making new friends, learning valuable life skills and gaining confidence is something every young person can benefit from."