A BLACK Country teacher has raised more than £3,500 for charity ahead of an epic journey she's making across India in memory of her father.

Pam Batta is heading off on March 24 on a seven-week trip which will see her travel from Kashmir in the north to Kanya Kumari, India’s southernmost tip, as a tribute to her dad Tarsem Lal from Dudley whom she had originally intended to travel with but who tragically died suddenly in September 2016 before they had finalised their plan.

Now set to head off on the adventure alone - intrepid Pam, who grew up in Dudley but now lives in Stourbridge, has also been raising money to help Indian street children whose plight was highlighted in the Oscar-nominated film Lion.

And, with help from family and friends who have been organising Indian suppers and afternoon teas, she has managed to coin in more than £3,500 for the Railway Children charity - which helps vulnerable children in Africa and the UK as well as India.

Her latest fundraiser was a curry supper at Oldswinford Coffee Lounge in Stourbridge on March 9 - hosted by big-hearted chef James Dowthwaite who cooked two curries and Indian accompaniments for around 35 people.

The event, which include a raffle and auction, was sponsored by The Cobra Foundation and it raised £775 with which Pam will buy clothing and blankets to distribute to Indian children living rough in railway stations.

Pam, a former primary school teacher turned freelance tutor, said she has been overwhelmed by the kindness and support of people across Stourbridge since her story was featured in the News a few weeks ago.

The 47-year-old mum-of-two had originally set a target of £2,000 to raise for the Railway Children but she has now almost doubled that amount.

She said: "The generosity of virtual strangers continues to inspire and amaze me."

Anyone wishing to boost Pam's fundraising efforts can still make a donation online at www.virginmoneygiving.com by searching 'Pam Batta'.