A GROUP of teens is helping raise money for the Australian bushfires by taking part in a sponsored walk.

Summer Eathorne, a pupil at Chetwynde School, felt inspired to help the koala bears affected by the Australian fires after seeing all the coverage in the news.

Wildfires have been raging through Australia since September in the worst bushfire season in the country’s history.

The 13-year-old instinctively knew she wanted to help and arranged a charity walk from Barrow to Ulverston with seven of her closest friends.

Mum, Vanessa Eathorne, described her daughter as ‘very passionate about animals’.

She said: “Summer had seen all the fires on the news and hadn’t quite realised how many koalas and animals had been killed.

“The news said they would need a lot of money for the damage and Summer immediately came up with the idea of a walk with her friends.

“She originally suggested an idea of a bake off but knew it wouldn’t raise much money so agreed on a walk from Barrow to Ulverston.”

Mrs Eathorne said the group is hoping to raise £500 for the bushfires.

She said: “Summer is doing really well with her sponsors so we’re hoping to raise a good amount for the cause.”

The walk is estimated to take three hours, starting at the Abbey House Hotel.

Mrs Eathorne said she is ‘very proud’ of her daughter for taking on the task.

“She’s very caring, and just absolutely loves animals,” she said.

“I feel really proud of her for taking up her own time to do something for another country.”

The walk is due to take place on Saturday February 15 start at 9.30am from Abbey House Hotel.