A LOCAL teacher is set to join an army of Millennium fellows created to celebrate the year 2000.

George Pike will receive an academic type award and medal at a special "graduation" ceremony hoped to be held at Greenwich Dome.

Millennium commissioner, the Earl of Dalkeith, said the new awards are for "ordinary people doing extraordinary things".

Mr Pike, 52, from Pennington, has been picked to join the first wave of 1,400 fellows.

Last summer the Millennium Commission paid for him to help scientific research studies abroad as part of a new scheme to give grants to named individuals as well as organisations..

Lowton High School teacher Mr Pike helped with a geology study in Sweden which will eventually help provide valuable research on global warming.

He said: "Anything that gives conservation a high profile is to be commended."

People from all walks of life will be considered for the fellowships and grants of between £2,000 and £15,000 are available.

The Millennium information line is on 0171 880 2030.

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