Budding conservationists at South Craven School have been selected for the journey of a lifetime to the rainforests of Costa Rica.

Four students have been chosen to fly out to the South American country in Easter 2000 to take part in conservation work in the rainforests around Monteverde.

Faye Sherwood, 14, from Carlton, Jennie Arnott, 13, from Cowling, Richard Greenwood, 13, from Cononley and Chris Parker, 13, from Silsden have all been selected.

They were whittled down from a group of 16 entrants who had to write a 500 word essay about why they would like to go, why they would be suitable for the trip and how they could raise funds.

The youngsters were then interviewed and the four strongest candidates selected for the voyage of discovery.

Once they are out in Costa Rica the students will be involved in conservation work at the First International Children Forest.

They will be accompanied on the trip by teachers Steven Higgins and Sue Kirkbride, and will be based for the duration of the two weeks in a conservation centre near Monteverde.

It will also give the students a chance to visit a home from home when they survey the 130 acres of rainforest owned by the school.

Pauline Kennedy explains: 'The school is very much into conservation and during the past few years we have raised more than £7,000 to purchase and protect more than 130 acres of rainforest in Costa Rica.

"This will be the school's third visit to the area and it will provide the four students with an incredibly valuable learning experience."

She adds: "During the course of this year we hope to set up links with a school in Monteverde via the internet and visit the students when we are out there."

In the meantime the four students have to raise the grand sum of £5,000 to cover the cost of the trip.

Fundraising has already started with Cross Hills Naturalists and Sutton Baptist Church Ladies lending the environmentally aware youngsters their support.

Students hope to organise coffee mornings and collections to raise the essential cash.

The school's traditional Easter egg raffle will also take place after Easter, with staff, pupils and parents eager to raise the £500 needed to protect more acres of rainforest in Costa Rica.

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