A TEACHER from Bromsgrove is looking forward to the experience of a lifetime this summer.

Martin German, of Hartford Road, has won the chance to join a scientific research project in Costa Rica after being awarded a 3M Environmental Award for Teachers.

This is part of a national award scheme run by eco-charity Earthwatch and funded by 3M - a manufacturing company.

Martin, who teaches at Alcester Grammar School, will be travelling to the Central American country to join Earthwatch research project Costa Rica's Tropical Forest for two weeks.

He will be assisting scientists who are exploring how the interaction of insects maintains a critically endangered eco-system.

In the northwest province of Guanacaste, close to Nicaragua, Martin will help with daily duties such as organising a census of caterpillar predators, 'cruising' for jumping spiders and collecting butterfly eggs.

The data collected will help researchers determine seasonal shifts in the forest's requirements.

Martin said: "I love natural history and nature conservation so it is a real privilege to be part of a project which helps preserve a precious threatened habitat.

"It is going to be a very exciting and memorable experience to observe the diversity of tropical life first-hand!"

The 3M Environmental Awards, which are now in their 11th year, honour teachers working or living near 3M sites throughout the country.

Teachers are chosen according to their ability to take back what they have learnt to their schools and communities.