AN INTREPID Altrincham explorer is packing up and heading into the jungle as part of a conservation study team.

North Cestrian Grammar School sixth former Emma McGinnity will join a group of 40 in the Amazon Rainforest for a month long project in July.

The 18-year-old will spend her time there carrying out conservation work with turtles, surveying dolphins and learning about the South African habitat.

Emma explained: "My geography teacher suggested I do this and I liked the sound of it. Then I had to go through a series of interviews to check I was the right sort of person.

"I've done conservation work in Northumberland national park but I have never done anything like this.

"It is quite daunting but I can't wait just to be in the Amazon Rainforest."

Before Emma takes to the skies she must first raise £3,400.

She is planning a series of fundraisers and has already held a rainforest themed cake sale at her school for which she sported a flamingo costume while her form showed their support with animal style face paint.