VOLUNTEERS are needed to help prevent the cancellation of a project searching for dinosaur prints and tracks.

International environmental charity Earthwatch is appealing for people to venture across rugged and spectacular terrain as part of a six-day project to help build up a record of dinosaur prints and tracks in north-east Yorkshire.

The organisation, which fears the project is in danger of cancellation without further public support, said dinosaur footprints and bones had been discovered along the Cleveland coastline.

A spokesman said: "This evidence is of considerable international significance given the shortage of skeletal material from their age.

"The continuing study of the footprints can provide invaluable information about dinosaur communities and behaviour that cannot be obtained from other sources."

Volunteers will receive training during the first few days of their expedition, including informal lectures and discussions about dinosaurs, the area and its geology.

After full training in field research, the hunt will begin.

Any finds will be mapped in detail and rocks and slabs will be fully documented. Prints will be recorded by photographs, sketches and mapping on to clear overlays.

Joining the project costs £285, which includes accommodation, meals, and packed lunches. Anyone is welcome to join and no previous experience is necessary.

The project will run from September 9 to 14 and again from September 14 to 19.

To book, call (01865) 318838.