Two environmentally aware members of insurer Allianze's staff are on a mission.

Kate Piggott and Paul Titley have won grants from environmental charity Earthwatch of up to £2,000 to fund expeditions of their choice.

Mr Titley has chosen the Santa Lucia Reserve situated in a protective cloud forest in Ecuador, where he will be hiking through mountainous terrain to study how populations of indigenous plant life and animals can be preserved.

Going in the opposite direction will be Ms Piggott, who will be immersing herself in a small mountain village in China, 1,000 metres above sea level.

There she will help with an Earthwatch project that aims to preserve and document traditional village life as well as encouraging the government to backtrack on its policy of relocating mountain communities.

David Keel, Allianz spokesman, said: "We had some very strong nominations this year. However, we particularly liked Kate and Paul’s applications because they were passionate about wanting to make a difference in their selected areas.

"We wish both the best of luck in their adventures."

Earthwatch supports scientific field research and environmental education throughout the world.

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