An ice opportunity make a difference; Tycoon offers youngsters trip of a lifetime.

Byline: Tony Henderson Environment Editor

CASH from a charitable trust set up by a Tyneside tycoon will give young people from the North East the chance join an Arctic trip of a lifetime to study climate change.

The expedition bursary will be available only in the North East, on the instructions of the Sir James Knott Trust.

The money will enable 18-23 year olds to join the 10-week trip to the Arctic by youth development charity BSES Expeditions.

Students will work alongside scientists to conduct climate change and conservation studies.

They will also learn the skills necessary for Arctic survival on the remote archipelago of Svalbard, including camping at -20degC.

Will Taunton-Burnet, executive director at BSES Expedition, said: "Svalbard is only 600 miles away from the North Pole and over 60% of the island is covered by glaciers, making it a scientist and explorer's paradise.

"Additionally, they will work with polar scientists to complete hands-on fieldwork projects with the aim of gaining a more personal appreciation for this unique environment and the issues facing it today. It is only through engaging the next generation that we can hope to protect the environment in the long term."

The expedition leaves in April with pre-departure training in February.

Those taking part will have to be physically fit, enthusiastic and resourceful.

There will be an open evening on Wednesday (January 28) from 6-7pm at the Express Holiday Inn, Waterloo Square, Newcastle. Call 0207 591 3141 or email [e-mail] for information.

JAMES KNOTT

JAMES Knott was born in 1855, the eldest son of Matthew Knott, who owned a corner grocery shop in Howdon, now North Tyneside.

Later that year the family moved to North Shields as Mr Knott had expanded into beer, wine and spirit retailing.

In 1869, at the age of 14, James left school to start work as a shipping clerk at a Newcastle Quayside.

Six years later at the age of 20 he launched his own business as a shipbroker. At 23, with money borrowed from a friend, he acquired his first ship and in 1881 he bought the Swan Hunter-built Saxon Prince and founded the Prince Line - which became one of the world's biggest shipping lines with over 40 vessels. James Knott lived in various parts of the North East - Monk's Haven, Cullercoats; Manor House, Jesmond and Close House, Wylam.

CAPTION(S):

AMAZING EXPERIENCE Anyone going on the trip will get the chance to experience the harsh conditions of the Arctic first hand.