A teenage wildlife enthusiast from Mullion is about to embark on the dream trip of a lifetime to the Amazon jungle.

Louise Matthews, 17, will spend just over four weeks in the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, the largest protected area of tropical rainforest in Peru, which is at the head of the River Amazon.

As part of the expedition, Louise will work alongside experienced researchers and conservationists from the reserve, to help preserve the rainforest by conducting research and species counts, as well as build artificial sites where animals can live and hatch their young.

Louise said: "I'm really excited about the trek. It will be such a fantastic experience and I'd like to thank everyone who has supported me. The whole expedition is going to be a real personal challenge."

She explained that she was looking forward to connecting with nature, adding: "In this day and age it's just an amazing to do, because it might not be there much longer."

Louise, a former pupil of Mullion Primary School and Mullion Comprehensive School, where she was head girl last year, became involved in the project after seeing a small advert in the paper.

She is currently in the first year of studying for her A-levels at Truro College, where is she is taking chemistry, biology, philosophy and geography.

She hopes to one day craft a conversation-based career that will enable her to travel.

Conditions will be challenging throughout the trip, with 110 per cent humidity and 40 degree heat. To help her prepare for the expedition, Louise has had the support of the Training Centre at Lusty Glaze, which is part of Cornwall College, and Devoran-based Cornish First Aid Supplies.

Cornish First Aid Supplies' owner Christine Chaplin donated a first aid kit and also sponsored Louise's place on the Training Centre's new 'Remote Medicine' course, a programme specifically developed for expedition leaders and members.

The trip was organised by the British Schools' Exploring Society, which is part of the Royal Geographic Society. Louise has managed to receive cover the whole of the £2,400 cost of the expedition fee through grants from the Youth Opportunities Fund and has held fundraising events and received sponsorship to pay for the extra costs such as kit and vaccinations.

On her return she has been invited back to her former secondary school, to give a talk on her experiences.