BURNLEY graduate Andrew Thorley will swap the chilly British weather for the warmth of Borneo when he sets out on a conservation and teaching expedition in April.

The 21-year-old, of Healdwood Close, is looking for sponsorship for the trip, organised by the charity Trekforce, and must raise £5,000 before he can take part.

He will begin his adventure on April 29 with two weeks of jungle training followed by three months of conservation work, which will include improving the area and possibly creating a nature reserve.

The remainder of his placement will be spent teaching vital teaching skills in the Kelabit Highlands of North Sarawak at schools which are under-staffed and under-resourced.

The area is very mountainous with rainforests, large rivers and a wide range of wildlife, including proboscis monkeys, civet cats, sun bears, elephants and monitor lizards.

Andrew, who is doing administration work for Greater Manchester Police, said: "I wanted to get an idea about volunteering, as well as teaching abroad, conservation work and trekking, and this covers everything.

"It's a different way of life and a chance to experience a different culture and get to learn the local language.

"I could be helping to create a nature reserve or a build a school and then get to teach in it.

"I have already sent out a thousand letters to various companies and charitable trusts but I'm only getting rejections at the moment.

"Three people have come back and said they are going to donate money."

He is also organising a raffle at work, as well as taking part in car boot sales and auctions.

Andrew went to Barden High School and Nelson and Colne College before studying geography at Sheffield University.

He plays in the Burnley Basketball team based at the Thompson Centre and plays football, volleyball and goes running to keep fit.

Anyone wanting to sponsor Andrew, donate money or offer outdoor equipment can contact him on 07903 361075.