FIVE youngsters are all set to set sail off on the voyage of a lifetime.

The group, all Uniformed Services students at Derwentside College in Consett, have won places aboard a 50ft sailing yacht for a four-week Mediterranean journey.

The teenagers had to undergo a series of gruelling tests to qualify for the trip, organised by the charity Walking the Plank.

Those taking part are Kelly Rundle, Paul Johnson, Mark Nicholson, Lisa Chambers and Liam Curry, all aged 17.

Kelly said: "I didn't find the selection process easy and I was over the moon when I found out I had been chosen.

"I can't wait to sail on the ocean waves in the Mediterranean."

The group flies out from Heathrow airport on Saturday to Split in Croatia. There they will meet up with their skipper, Kate Craggs, before sailing to Gibraltar via Southern Italy, Sicily and Sardinia.

During their time on board the yacht they will undergo extensive sail training and take part in a programme designed to teach safety, teamwork, problem-solving and decision-making skills.