A YORK teenager will brave the wrath of panic-stricken shoppers on one of the busiest days of Christmas so he can help children and the elderly in India.

Ben Hardcastle, aged 17, will tomorrow spend six hours packing bags in return for donations at Sainsbury's, Monks Cross, York.

The York College student needs to raise £400 to fund a trip to India organised by his uncle, Ian Robertson.

During the trip, Ben plans to help build an old people's home and visit youngsters in an orphanage.

Ben said of his Christmas Eve challenge: "I am not sure what it will be like, although I work there (Sainsbury's) already and it is frantic at the moment."

Madness must run in the family, because Ben's mum, Karen, has also agreed to jump 3,000ft out of an aeroplane to help with his fundraising effort.

Karen, who has never done a parachute jump before, volunteered herself when she found out Ben needed to raise the money for his trip.

She said: "I am very enthusiastic about the trip. I think it will be a brilliant experience for Ben.

"As soon as my brother said they had to raise the money I said I will jump out of a plane."

Ben will be travelling out to India in April next year with a group of youngsters from around the country.

The group will spend two weeks in Madhurai, where they will help finish building an old people's home, visit a children's home and help on a farm in the village. Ben is presently studying for A- levels in chemistry, maths, physics and biology, and is hoping to become a vet.

Ian, Ben's uncle, has been going out to the Indian village for the past 13 years and he has always been keen to go with him.

He said: "I have always fancied going out and I am looking forward to it."

Karen will take part in the sponsored parachute jump on February 15.

If you would like to sponsor her or help Ben with his fundraising, email rosemary.cook@ycp.co.uk.

Updated: 11:11 Monday, December 23, 2002