IPSWICH man Stephen Davies is preparing to pack his bags after winning chance to carry out scientific research in Argentina with the environmental charity Earthwatch.

IPSWICH man Stephen Davies is preparing to pack his bags after winning chance to carry out scientific research in Argentina with the environmental charity Earthwatch.

Mr Davies, 50, of Glemham Drive, Rushmere-St-Andrew, was presented with an Earthwatch Millennium Award in recognition of his commitment to local community conservation schemes.

The project provides Mr Davies, who sets off in March for the two-week expedition, with the chance to work alongside leading scientists in a Carnivore Survey on Argentinean Pampas. It aims to use the status of carnivores to examine the human impact on Argentina's Wild West.

Mr Davies said: "It is a wonderful, once in a lifetime experience to participate in real science, as well as learning about Argentina's wildlife in a unique part of the world. I hope to learn about different aspects of field research and about a different culture and its people."

The scheme, funded by £1.3 million of National Lottery money awarded by the Millennium Commission and supported by Royal & Sun Alliance, provides opportunities for people aged 50 and over to take part in international conservation projects.

Robert Barrington, Chief Executive of Earthwatch Institute, explains: "These awards will change lives by giving people global horizons and proving to them that they can make a difference to the environment in the UK. The Awards are targeted at the over-fifties because this is an age-group largely overlooked by mainstream environmental education activities."

On their return, Award winners are expected to draw up a community action plan and take their new skills into their local community through local conservation volunteering projects.