A DINOSAUR expert will broadcast to the world on a Disney website devoted to the giant creatures.

As a manager for the national Geologists' Association, Jonathan Allinson is an old hand at exploring artefacts from the past.

Having started out examining rocks as a geologist, he turned his attention to the jurassic beasts that have long captivated people's imaginations.

Now, due to his expertise in the field, he has been asked to take part in a unique project being run by Disney.

Mr Allinson, who lives at Mill Street, in Norton, Stockton, will lead a group of schoolchildren round a dinosaur footprint area in Oxfordshire as a web camera relays their every move to Disney's Internet site.

He said it will be an exciting opportunity for those lucky enough to win places through a national competition.

"The Disney project came about through Rockwatch, which is a national geology club for young people," he said.

"Disney approached the club, which I'm involved with, and said it wanted us to take part in the website along with the winning children.

"It hasn't decided on the details of the competition yet, but the winners will have the chance to visit Oxford University Museum as well as Ardley Quarry, where the web camera will film them."

Having taken part in many projects involving children in the past, Mr Allinson, 35, is experienced at making geology fun.

One of his recent ventures was introducing families to dinosaur footprints on the Yorkshire coast, which is known as a 'megatrack' because of its high density of markings.

The weblink, which will be filmed on October 7, is timed to co-incide with the release of the Disney blockbuster Dinosaur, which is due out on October 16.

Having been invited to a press screening of the film, Mr Allinson said it's well worth watching. "I thought it was excellent," he said.

"The imagery is superb and the contrast between the computer characters and real life is excellent." Dinosaur fans can log onto Mr Allison's exploits by accessing the website here .

Further information on Rockwatch is available at its website