EAST Lancashire teachers have only a few weeks left to apply for a free place on an international scientific field project with the environmental charity Earthwatch.

Successful applicants will work on one of six projects - Icelandic Glaciers, Blue Ridge Bears, Tanzanian Forest Birds, Search for Neanderthals, Old World Songbirds or Forests of Bohemia.

The teachers' expenses will be paid by support from 3M Neotechnic Ltd, in Clitheroe.

The projects aim to give teachers first-hand experience of the global environment, which they can use in their local communities when they return home.

Dr Robert Barrington, executive director of the Earthwatch Institute, said: "This is a great opportunity for teachers to work alongside some of the leading experts in their field and learn something new."

The deadline for applications is January 28.

Anyone interested should contact Laura Morrison, Corporate Programmes Officer, at Earthwatch Europe, 57 Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6HJ, telephone 01865 318826, e-mail lmorrison@uk.earthwatch.org or fax 01865 311383.

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