A Frome woman will take on the trip of her life later this month when she hitchhikes to Tangier for charity.

Ellen Porteous will have 10 days to get to her destination, when her plane from Tangiers is booked to bring her home.

She will begin her journey in Plymouth with friend Jane Chedzoy on Sunday, March 22, to raise money for the Somerset and Wessex Eating Disorders Association (Sweda).

Sweda is a low-cost counselling charity which gives help, advice and support to people with eating disorders and their carers.

One in three people in the UK has an eating disorder.

Miss Porteous, who has had bulimia, said: "Diet and weight obsession isn't a self-inflicted illness, it is a vicious disease that takes over your mind, controls you and destroys your life.

"I feel that many people are uneducated about this and if we can recognise the signs in someone early we can prevent eating disorders before they spiral out of control.

"Those affected by disorders like bulimia and binge eating can go for years suffering in silence as they can appear to live a normal life without any significant weight loss, and so people are none the wiser.

"This is what I want to raise awareness about, and the help that Sweda can offer to those who feel they are alone."

The pair are hoping to raise about £500 for the charity.

For more information about Sweda visit www.swedauk.org.