DREAMS of a far off people and their exotic animals are beckoning for a Hay-on-Wye bookshop worker.

For Gill Braithwaite is about to exchange sheep trails on the Black Mountains for the hills of Tanzania after finding a far bigger track to follow.

The Rift Valley Trail, created by elephants, lions, bushbuck, hartebeest and Africa's Maasai Warriors, will replace the hills and valleys of the Welsh Marches next February.

"It's the Oxfam Overseas Challenge, a 10-day trek across the Rift Valley. Part of that is Losimingori, an extinct volcano of over 2,000 metres. We are camping, there's no hotels. It's all going to be quite a challenge," said Gill.

Wilderness

She added: "I'm 54 now. My children are all grown up and it's time to do something for myself. Africa appeals to me; I like the wilderness, I like quiet and remote areas."

Led by the Maasai she will follow in the footsteps of generations of the warriors, covering some of the most rugged terrain of the 6,500km trail. The trail will take her across classic African plains, through an ancient forest and an elephant corridor before she arrives at the edge of an escarpment with breathtaking views over Lake Manyara and the Rift Valley below.

She needs to raise £2,500 to go. "I have got £250 myself and my family is supporting me a lot towards the cost of the trip, so a lot of what I'm raising will go to Oxfam."

She hopes to raise more money on Saturday when she hosts a summer fete at the foot of Hay Castle in the Honesty Bookshop, helped by staff from the Pavement Bookshop where she works. The event will include face painting, stalls, clothes, plants and music.

Anyone who would like to make a donation can visit Gill at the Pavement Bookshop or drop into the Oxfam Shop. Cheques should be made out to 'Oxfam'. Gill can be contacted at home, 96 Brynglas, Gilwern, Monmouthshire, telephone 01873 832667 or at work on 01497 821341.