AN intrepid bank worker has just returned from a trip-of-a-lifetime studying endangered zebras on safari in the wilds of Africa.

Jean Lewis, from Welland, near Malvern, took a break from her job as a commercial bank contact at HSBC in Church Street, Malvern, to set off for two weeks of conservation work in Kenya.

She came by the exciting opportunity through the Investing In Nature programme - a partnership between HSBC and the Earthwatch Institute, an international science and education charity which supports scientific field research.

Through the programme, Miss Lewis was able to join a team of scientists to study the endangered Grevys zebra. The research examined how the zebra population used habitat on Samburu community lands and compared it to habitat use at the Lewa wildlife conservancy.

Each day scientists would record the zebras' position with satellite equipment, take readings of weather conditions and habitat make-up.

Miss Lewis and the team also heard a talk by a Samburu man on the tribal lifestyle of the community, and were shown traditional homesteads made of mud and thatch.

Miss Lewis then visited the Lewa Conservancy, in the foothills of Mount Kenya, encountering wildlife including black rhino, elephant, giraffe, lions and cheetahs.

She said: "I found the project a great opportunity to see Africa and its wildlife, as well as to experience a different culture and learn of the important work done in conservation throughout the world.

"One of the highlights was observing animals such as elephants, crocodiles and lions in the Samburu reserve at a much closer proximity than we were expecting, which made for some heart-stopping moments."