AN Alcester man will be going on a journey to remember in the autumn to carry out scientific research with an environmental charity, writes Helen Clarke.

Foster Richardson will be working alongside leading scientists from the Earthwatch charity on the project River Otters of Chile.

The aim of the scheme is to monitor the behaviour of otters to facilitate their re-introduction.

Mr Richardson is being offered the unique chance after winning an Earthwatch Millennium Award.

Over a three-year-period, the award programme will bring opportunities for 400 people aged 50 and over to take part in international conservation projects.

On their return, award winners draw up a community action plan and put their new expertise to work in the UK within local conservation volunteer projects.

For more details on the awards or for an application form, call 01865 318850 or write to Earthwatch Millennium Office, 57 Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6HJ.