A TEENAGER is preparing to take the trip of a lifetime as part of the crew of a tall ship.

Joanne Meads, 18, from Gainford, is to crew one of the ships as part of the North-East Sailing Team (Nest) sailing from Newcastle to Norway in this summer's Tall Ships Race.

The Teesdale Comprehensive School student applied to join the team after Barnard Castle Rotary Club wrote to sixth formers at the school inviting them to apply.

After a physical test and interview, Joanne, who represents County Durham at table tennis and is ranked 50th in the country, was accepted to join the team.

Only 60 people, aged between 17 and 22, from around the North-East were chosen to join the team and Joanne is looking forward to the challenge.

She said: "I remember going to watch the tall ships when it was last in Newcastle in 1993 and I'm really excited.

"I've never done anything like this before, the only thing I've ever really sailed is a dinghy, which is a bit different."

Before sailing, Joanne will have a month-long training course where she will learn all the aspects of sailing a tall ship.

She needs to raise £1,200 for the trip and is organising a series of fundraising events such as car-boot sales and a school disco.

A number of local businesses and individuals have also sponsored her.

Anybody who can help Joanne can contact her on (01325) 730329.