A letter from American president George Bush has set a Newent teenager on a fundraising drive to pay for the educational trip of a lifetime.

The sixth former will represent the UK at a 12-day World Student Conference in America in July, but first of all she must find £2,000 to cover costs.

Kate Thomas, 17, a pupil of Newent Community School, took part in the annual debating dinner of the Institute of Directors (IoD) at the school last November.

The IoD then recommended her for the trip to the USA and a letter of invitation duly arrived from the president.

Miss Thomas said: "It will be my first time in America and quite a momentous occasion. The event will actually be geared towards a global summit, to he held in the UN building in New York. I will learn all about conflict resolution, peace, security and trade."

Miss Thomas is no stranger to debate. At the dinner, she impressed judges with her advocacy of the motion This house believes there are lies, damned lies and accounts.

There will be only one other UK representative at the conference, Jack Cooper of the Worcester Grammar School.

They will spend six days in Washington DC and six in New York.

To raise funds, Miss Thomas is working at the customer services desk at Tesco, Gloucester.

She said: "It also helps with my debating skills!"

But she is also seeking sponsorship from businesses and individuals. For details ring the school on 01531 820550.