A FORMER St Mary's College student is busy raising money for a six-week conservation visit to coral reef pollution in Indonesia.

Angela Louise Hosford (pictured), who lives in the Manchester Road area of Burnley, is in her second year at Birmingham University, studying environmental science.

She needs £3,000 to fund the summer project with Operation Wallacea, a non-profit-making charitable conservation group which does research into coral reefs and rainforests.

The money she provides will go towards paying for new research equipment and updating facilities.

Angela, who attended St Hilda's High School, Burnley, and St Mary's College, Blackburn, will travel with 15 other students from the university in July, working with a team researching the effects pollution from local villages has on coral reefs. She said: "I take a great interest in conservation, global and environmental issues and how the world is evolving. It disturbs me greatly to see the depletion of endangered habitats, species and environments in our world and especially those that are little understood."

Angela is not new to travelling. After taking her A levels in 1997 she spent six months touring Israel and the Holy Land, spending some time as a volunteer in a kibbutz.

She has taken part in several fund-raising activities for the Indonesia experience, including car boot sales and university social nights and will, on May 21 with members of her family, be taking part in a sponsored walk with the Rotary Club of Burnley and Pendleside. She is also receiving help from Burnley Lions Club and the Marjorie Elliott Scholarship Fund.

All funds will be donated to the expedition and anyone wishing to help can contact Angela's family on 01282 426852.