YOUNGSTERS who have been given fresh direction by a charity dedicated to transforming lives have set themselves a whole new goal.

A team from Ryder House, West Kent YMCA's supported housing scheme in Belgrave Road, Tunbridge Wells, is training hard to tackle the Three Peaks Challenge on May 30, in which participants climb the highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales in just 24 hours.

"I am under no illusions; I know it will be hard," said 24-year-old apprentice Christopher Guest, a tenant at Ryder House for 15 months.

"But it will be a good test of character and I hope to gain a sense of achievement from completing it."

As well as testing their own abilities, members of the team are aiming to raise money for fellow residents taking part in an expedition to South Africa this summer.

The Inner Journey Project offers young people the chance to learn about everything from trekking and bushcraft to education and the environment.

"It will be the experience of a lifetime," said 19-year-old Rachel Horne, who is training to be a youth worker. "I have never had the opportunity to prove to myself and others that I can achieve, but this will give us all a chance to prove our strengths. It will be amazing."

Housing support manager Andrea Butler said: "Both these challenges offer our young people the chance to find out so much about themselves, whether they are climbing Snowdon or catching and cooking their own food in South Africa.

"They have to raise the total cost of £8,000 themselves, so as well as finding sponsors for the Three Peaks, they are organising events like boot fairs and raffles."

She added: "People come to us for all sorts of reasons. It could be domestic violence or behavioural issues, parents with drug or alcohol problems or family disputes. But in this secure environment they are very supportive of each other, and they surprise me all the time by their commitment and energy."

The Three Peaks Challenge is on May 30. To sponsor the team, contact Andrea Butler on 01892 542209 or visit www.thisiskent.co.uk/links