A GRADUATE is preparing for a trip to the Bahamas to study coral reefs by staging a six-hour sponsored swim.

In October, Frances Berry will fly to the Bahamas with the organisation Greenforce, to help scientists carry out a survey of one of the world's largest stretches of coral reef.

The project is aimed at analysing the reef to ensure it is designated a nature reserve by the Bahamas National Authority.

Frances, from Sacriston, near Durham, has already raised the £2,500 needed to fund the trip but still has to raise money for the diving equipment she will need.

To do this the intrepid traveller intends to embark on a six-hour, 12km swim at Durham City Baths which is equivalent to swimming around the Andros Island, where she will be staying.

Frances, 21, recently completed a degree in conservation management and is working for a car finance company in Durham.

She said: "I will be going with Greenforce, which is a non-profit making organisation for countries that cannot afford scientific research."

The swim takes place on September 7. To sponsor Frances email her at; tropical _beach81hotmail.com or call 0191-371 1952.