A Pembrokeshire geography student is heading off to the other side of the world in the pursuit of her studies.

Annys Mackintosh, who was a sixth former at Ysgol y Preseli in Crymych, has been awarded a £2,000 bursary from the Royal Geographical Society to help fund a visit to New Zealand as part of a Learning and Leading Gap Scholarship.

On her return, the 18-year-old will act as a geography ambassador, giving presentations to students on her experiences and introducing younger school pupils to the benefits of studying geography.

Annys, who comes from Narberth, will spend six weeks down under following the Heal the Earth Environmental Training and Awareness programme.

As a volunteer, she will work alongside ecology specialists in order to study climate change and environmental issues - promoting ways in which people can reduce their carbon footprint, as well as preserving the native flora and fauna.

Annys was taught geography at Ysgol y Preseli by Michael Davies (deputy headteacher) and Rhys Huws (head of geography).

"We are both very proud of Annys's achievements in geography," said Michael Davies.

Rhys Huws added that Annys had been a keen and enthusiastic student, who had worked extremely hard to attain excellent results.

"Annys will be a positive role model for younger pupils, illustrating with enthusiasm both the specific and transferable skills she has developed as a geographer," he said.

"Hopefully, she will also encourage more of them to pursue the subject beyond the age of 14."

Annys gained an A grade at A-Level geography last summer, as well as a merit in the geography Advanced Extension paper. She also achieved a B in English Language and the Welsh Baccalaureate at the advanced diploma standard.

On her return from New Zealand, she will study physical geography at Southampton University.