A COMPUTING student will give a new meaning to desert island discs when he lands on a deserted beach - in his case they will be floppy ones.

Patrick Ragan will travel to a remote paradise where he will set up a computer system to help scientists research and monitor species.

Northumbria University student Mr Ragan said: "This is an opportunity of a lifetime for me.

"I will be travelling to the remote island of Hoga, near Indonesia, and working with scientists who are uncovering new species of plants and animals each day.

"The island has never had access to a computer system and, in setting up one, I can help establish the foundations for a database which scientists can use to record and store their findings, and aid in the conservation of a unique area."

The scientists' work includes coral monitoring, assessing diver impact on the reefs and the preparation of eco-tourism.

Mr Ragan's system will help Operation Wallacea's research project on the Sulawesi area. Much of the region is relatively unsurveyed and, recently, large areas of forests have been felled and seas have been overfished.

Anyone who would like to help Mr Ragan with his project can contact him at patrick.ragan@northumbria.ac.uk, or on 07949 805774.