The lucky youngsters are set to visit Bangalore, India, in July as part of a 26-day trip organised by the West Sussex Youth Service and Raleigh International.

Joe Gumbrell, Scott Nimmo, Beth Donohue and Hannah Johnson, all aged 16, and Jaz Davis, 18, were selected alongside 25 other applicants from West Sussex.

The teenagers were picked from a taster weekend at Lodge Hill, Pulborough, in February to take part in the Inspire India experience.

Volunteer

Joe, a pupil at King's Manor Community College, said: "I feel really privileged.

"Seeing people who are worse off than me will hopefully make me change my behaviour back home."

The trip is completely funded by the organisers and is part of an ongoing programme to encourage teenagers to volunteer and focus on their future prospects.

It aims to give young people from disadvantaged or minority backgrounds the chance to experience a different culture.

Achievement

To achieve this, they will be taking part in various volunteering activities, and camping and socialising with Indian children of the same age.

Amy Humphries, of King's Manor's youth wing, said: "The voluntary work out there will give them a sense of having achieved something on a scale which is so different from what they are used to."

Before the trip, the youth service has organised a series of events in Shoreham throughout May and June to prepare the teenagers for what they might encounter on arrival.

These include a Bollywood and curry night, a chance to receive any vaccinations they may require and a launch night shortly before their departure in July.

The volunteering aspect will continue when the youngsters return from India, as they will become involved with their communities the moment they touch down.

This programme will last three months and will give the teenagers a chance to show off the new skills they have gained from the trip.

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