A biology student is trying to raise enough cash to join an expedition to protect coral reef and rain forests.

Chris Biggins, 19, of Cottingley, has been invited to take part in Operation Wallacea - a conservation project based in Indonesia.

In his second year at the University of Glamorgan, Chris hopes to join an expedition to South East Sulawesi where he will learn a variety of skills, including scuba diving.

One of the key aims of the project, set up in 1995, is conservation of the coral reefs at a national marine park and protection of the rain forests.

"It is something I've always wanted to do and while I'm there I will also be able to carry out a personal study on crabs for my dissertation - it is a golden opportunity for me," he said.

Chris, a former pupil of St Bede's Grammar School, Heaton, has so far raised about £700 towards his £3,000 target.

The Branch pub in Shipley raised £100 through 'guess the birthday of Rudolph' and Cottingley Village Primary held a Christmas stall.

The six-week trip begins in July and Chris is seeking sponsorship from businesses towards his fee. Previous Operation Wallacea expeditions have led to the designation of the entire Tukangbesi archipelago in Indonesia as a Marine National Park.

Researchers have also discovered species new to science and developed schemes to replace environmentally destructive practices carried out by the local community. The project has also forged links with local conservation groups.

Organiser Penny Meldrum said: "With the continued participation of students such as Christopher on our projects we hope to carry on and advance our work within Indonesia, moving on to other unsurveyed and endangered areas of coral reef and rain forest."

Anyone who wants to sponsor Chris should contact him on (01274) 560567.