A SOUTHAMPTON charity is going wild by auctioning off a selection of safari photographs to raise money.

Wessex Heartbeat has been given access to the photographic library of Mick Mockler, the New Forest based African safari guide, and will be turning many of the photographs into large prints to be auctioned at a series of events.

Mr Mockler, a former deputy head of Highcliffe Comprehensive School in Dorset, became a full-time professional tour leader in 1990 and is recognised by the travel industry as one of the most experienced safari guides.

His tours for the Ultimate Travel Company to Africa, India, South America and Antarctica are booked months in advance.

Mr Mockler's award-winning wildlife photography started when he led tours as a semi-professional during school holidays.

He is now the author of two books and writes for many wildlife and natural history publications.

As a former Bournemouth School pupil, Mr Mockler remained friends with fellow ex-pupil Peter Wickham, fundraising manager for Wessex Heartbeat, and allowed the charity to use his many published photographs as well as some never previously seen.

Mr Wickham said: "The first selection of prints, that Mike has signed, has already proved popular with our supporters and Mike is now helping us with the choice of a second selection for future auctions.

"There is potential to raise thousands of pounds from Mike's excellent record of life on safari."