A LAST-chance trip of a lifetime to China is on offer before a huge project to flood the area gets underway.

Worcestershire trekkers will be among the last party to tackle the Three Gorges of the Yangtze Kiang River, before work begins next year.

"The Three Gorges are the most beautiful natural wonder I have ever seen," said Simon Burne, director of fund-raising at Acorns Children's Hospice Trust.

"The Yangtze roars through the Gorges, which climb as high as 3,000ft."

Just one week after the party completes the nine-day trip, the dam will be closed and the gorges flooded.

The project will give the country electricity equivalent to 15 nuclear power stations and combat the devastating floods that plague the region.

"The trek follows the ancient pathway built by the Ming Emperors so that slaves could haul ships up the river against the strong currents," added Mr Burne.

"You can still see where the ropes cut into the rock.

"The views are amazing and each gorge is different. Sometimes you are walking along paths cut into the cliff face, at other times you are walking through clouds of jasmine flowers, orange groves and terraced fields of rural China.

"We hope that as many people as possible will want to join us in seeing these outstanding natural and historic monuments before the Three Gorges disappear for good. This really will be the last chance to experience first hand one of the most spectacular wonders of the world."

The trip, between Sunday, May 25 and Tuesday, June 3 next year, requires a £250 deposit and £2,500 sponsorship.

For more information contact Emily Henton on 0121 2484802 or visit the charity's website at www.acorns.org.uk