Volunteers are needed to embark on a tour of Africa to save some of the world's most endangered monkeys.

Conservation group the Great Primate Handshake (GPH) need more volunteers to join in two 28-day expeditions of the continent to raise awareness of primate conservation.

According to campaigners, a quarter of primate species are close to extinction and unless action is taken, the world's great apes could also be lost within the next 15 years.

Based on the success of a tour last year, the group plans to charter an overland vehicle, equipping it with video cameras and laptops, to share their multimedia skills with primate sanctuaries in Kenya and Uganda.

Michael McKirgan, of Weston-super-Mare, was one of the volunteers on last year's trip. He said: "I really enjoyed producing films for the GPH and I learnt a lot about conservation and the need to act now."

According to the GPH, there are more than 13 primate sanctuaries across Africa caring for more than 1,000 threatened primates. Many are orphans, confiscated from poachers intent on selling young infants for lucrative profits, have been injured, or no longer have access to suitable habitats. For more, call 02921 253295 or visit www.primatehandshake.org.