IT is a shy and elusive river dweller, perhaps the most loved of all watery wildlife and the stuff of children's stories.

And for one conservation-conscious Bolton mum, a passion for the playful otter will take her all the way to South America.

For mother-of-two Noell Leather, the chance to study the rare Chilean otter is a dream come true.

It is a dream she will share with wildlife groups in Bolton and Bury on her return in early November after two weeks on the otter's trail.

Mrs Leather, aged 53, of Green Lane, Great Lever, will join a group of wildlife scientists tracking the otter's progress along rivers in Chile's Lake District, in the south of the country.

Her work will involve educating young Chileans about conservation and the need to ensure the otter's survival.

The former physiotherapist became involved in conservation by joining the Bolton branch of the Wildlife Trust 10 years ago. Mrs Leather manages a nature reserve at Summerseat, between Bury and Ramsbottom, and runs a garden wildlife consultancy service called Habiscape. She applied for funding for a place on the research project after reading about it in a wildlife journal.

She said: "The American wildlife group, Earthwatch, along with the Millennium Commission and the Royal and Sun Alliance were asking people to write to tell them which research projects they would like to take part in.

"It was aimed at the over 50s and, after reading about the work with otters in Chile, I decided to give it a go."

She was delighted when she discovered that her application had found favour, making her just one of 100 people to be successful.

The Chilean otter is similar to its UK counterpart but much bigger -- the largest specimens can grow to length of three feet. It once thrived in Chile but deforestation and pollution have seen its numbers dwindle alarmingly.

Mrs Leather will study otters from one of just seven colonies that remain in the south of the country. She will fly to Chile later this month.

"It's a once in a lifetime chance and I will be involved in some really important work." she said. "I have never been to South America before. In fact I've never been south of the Equator, so it will be a real thrill."

Mrs Leather said that compared to its Chilean counterpart the British otter is thriving.

"From my work with the conservation groups and at the nature reserve, and the work we have been doing on the River Irwell and the River Croal we have had some very encouraging signs.

"I am hoping that the work I will be helping out with in Chile will help with the work we are doing in Bolton and Bury in terms of encouraging the otter."