A TEENAGED scout played guitar and sang at at fundraiser for a mercy expedition he is making to Africa.

Harry Merrell, 15, performed at the Ravenswood Drive home, Hale Barns, of his grandparents, former Trafford Mayor and Mayoress, David and Cathy Merrell.

He is one of two members of Urmston Maverick Explorers unit, part of 8th Flixton St John’s Scouts, to be offered a place to help build a bridge for a village in Malawi in July/August 2018.

Harry, the head boy at Wellacre Academy, underwent an interview and practical skill test to secure his place.

Eight leaders and 23 other Explorer members will be helping not just to add finishing touches to the bridge but to assist with five other projects including building a market place and improving facilities at the school.

He must find £3,000 to cover his costs out of which £500 goes towards the project.

Harry has already raised £12OO by busking with his faithful guitar, packing bags at the White City Retail Park and handing out packs at the BUPA Greater Manchester run.

He’s been a scout for 10 years and a member of Maverick for 18 months.

Harry has earned a Gold Chief Scout award and a Young Leader’s qualification.

He has almost completed Bronze in the Duke of Edinburgh’s award scheme.

Harry said: “We do training weekends and learn what to expect. I am hoping we can help people.”

His grandmother, Cathy Merrell, said: “We held our event, which raised £600, to assist Harry in his ambition to help people in Malawi."

Jeff Picton, assistant county commissioner international for Greater Manchester West Scouts, said: “It’s about generating what the village needs to manage things and giving our young people self-sufficiency.”

Greater Manchester West Scouts are working with Davy and Sally Chilakalaka who set up the charity Kasupe in 2007.to help improve education in Malawi.