STUDENTS from the Thomas Hardye School will team up with university academics and undergraduates for an investigation into Lyme disease.

The Dorchester school pupils will work with the University of Exeter on a new study to explore the distribution of the condition in the region.

As part of the project local vets and wildlife trusts are being asked to collect animal ticks for the students, who will use the latest laboratory techniques to reveal the ticks' genetic fingerprints.

The results of the analysis will be used to map the distribution of ticks in Dorset and investigate their role in the spread of Lyme disease.

Ticks are believed to have contributed to a recent rise in Lyme disease in humans, with up to 3,000 new cases in England and Wales each year.

It can often be treated effectively if it is detected early but if treatment is delayed there is a risk of long-lasting neurological problems and chronic pain.

Ticks carrying Borrelia Spirochaetes - the bacteria that cause Lyme disease - are thought to be widely distributed in Dorset.

The project will explore the distribution of Borrelia DNA within Dorset ticks and aims to correlate the occurrence with specific types of tick.

The investigation has been funded through a Royal Society Partnership Grant and will be led by Simon Lewis, a biology teacher at the Thomas Hardye School.

The scheme offers students the opportunity to get involved in real life current research and engage in discussions with the local community.

Dr Nicola King, senior lecturer in biosciences at the University of Exeter, said: "This is an exciting project which uniquely will allow school pupils to work alongside final year undergraduate project students and academics, doing research in a field which is currently of great interest across the academic community.

"Not only will it allow pupils to take part in research but it will also give our students an opportunity to work with a local school and develop their own research and science communication skills."

Andrew Ellison, head of science at the Thomas Hardye School, added: "The Royal Society Partnership Grant will benefit both current and future students at the Thomas Hardye School in numerous ways.

"It will allow them to take part in cutting edge research, give them access to excellent resources and hopefully benefit society with their findings."

Students at the Thomas Hardye School will be introduced to modern genetic laboratory techniques and will have the opportunity to engage with professional scientists, gaining an insight into current research techniques and its relevance for modern society.

The equipment and skills training provided by the scheme can also be used in future genetic based projects and teaching within the school.