A RETIRED police dog handler and a landscape architect are embarking on wildlife expeditions to South Africa. But instead of looking for lions and monkeys they will be hunting snails and spiders.

Richard Graham, 64, from Chester-le-Street, and Kate Wicks, 52, from Lanchester, both County Durham, are flying out to South Africa in November to help scientists document insects living in the undergrowth.

Neither Mr Graham, a former dog handler for County Durham police or Mrs Wicks, a landscape architect for Newcastle City Council, have been on such an expedition before. They will be taking part in two separate expeditions, but both will be helping scientists with environmental charity Earthwatch to conduct the first comprehensive survey of spiders and other creepy crawlies in the South African reserve. The information will be used to improve biodiversity conservation.

Both participants were awarded a grant towards the cost of the trip from the Earthwatch Millennium Awards fund, which helps people aged 50 and over take part in international conservation projects.

On their return to England they will put their experiences into practice by working with local conservation volunteering projects.

The award scheme is funded by National Lottery money and supported by Royal and Sun Alliance.

Mrs Wicks said: "I think Earthwatch is providing an opportunity for those people who tend to be overlooked. There are things for young or retired people to do, then you've got this middle band of people with their families up and running who are still working and have got all this life experience to provide.

"This will be the first time I've ever done anything like this."