15284/1A GROUP of 16 students from St John's School, Marlborough, is getting ready for a trip of a lifetime to observe and preserve the rainforest in Central America.

This summer, just after their A level exams finish, the geography, biology and environmental science students will be joining an exciting international scientific and environmental expedition to the rainforest national parks of Honduras.

The school's director of earth science, Martin Cook, and director of science, Dr Colin Dodd, will accompany them.

The Marlborough students will be assisting a team of up to 125 scientists from around the world who are in the early stages of producing a biodiversity study in the pristine but endangered rainforest.

The students will be living under canvas in the forest, in a community including resident scientists and natives of the rainforest.

The project is overseen by the conservation charity, Operation Wallacea, named after the 19th British naturalist and explorer Alfred Wallace.

It has been placing sixth form and university students on similar expeditions around the world since 2000.

Pupils involved in 2004 helped to discover a snake species new to science, a lizard thought to be extinct, as well as significant discoveries that help improve the quality of life both economically and culturally for the local people.

Mr Cook said: "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the students to experience an environment previously only read about in lessons and seen on TV.

"At the same time, they will make a significant contribution to the work of major international conservation organisations."

Unfortunately, he said, such contributions are expensive. The staff and students are busy trying to raise nearly £2,000 each for airfares and their share of upkeep costs for their two week stay.

Car boot sales, quiz nights, sponsorship and a battle of the bands rock music night have helped raise money, but more is needed.

To raise extra funds an African Music Night will be taking place in Marlborough Town Hall on Sunday at 7pm. It will feature a ten piece African band, led by the Congo's leading singer Mose Fan Fan. Tickets cost £10 available from Mr Cook at the school on (01672) 516156.