A WORLDWIDE project to secure the future of the Amazon rainforest has touched down in York schools.

The Amazonia Conference, which aims to protect life in Earth's biggest forest, has launched an educational package designed to spark the interest of youngsters.

The bid has been backed by the York branch of Marks & Spencer, which has donated £900 to six city schools which will participate in the project.

The cash came from the store's campaign of recycling old coathangers, and allows the conference to hand over CD-ROMs and information packs to each school.

Three secondary schools are involved: Joseph Rowntree, Fulford and Lowfield; and three primaries, Knavesmire, Bishopthorpe and Haxby Road.

Valdir Bento, executive director of the conference, will visit each school to explain how the project works.

"We have a day talking in the schools, and show them what we call the Amazonia Files, which reveal some of the incredible facts about this forest," he said.

"Pupils can then choose to take The Amazonia Test, of they wish. The test is being carried out all across the world, and the person with the best results will win a study trip to Brazil, to work in the rainforest."

James Parramore, of Marks & Spencer, said: "We are very proud to sponsor this fascinating project."

Updated: 11:02 Friday, March 22, 2002