A HUNT has been launched for 20 young people from East Renfrewshire to take part in a once-in-a-lifetime expedition to Morocco next year.

The trip, organised by the council young person's service, will include trekking in the High Atlas mountains and will culminate in the climbing of North Africa's highest mountain, Mount Toubkal. It will exceed the requirements for the Duke Of Edinburgh Gold Award.

Information is being circulated through schools and a special information evening has been arranged at Barrhead High School on Thursday March 26 from 7.30pm to let young people and their families find out more.

Places are available for up to 20 pupils aged 16 and 17-years-old and will cost £300. A number will be fully funded for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Everyone interested will have to apply for a place and will take part in a selection evening before finding out if they will be joining the expedition team.

Those who are selected will take part in a 13-month training programme before heading out to Morocco next summer. They will also undertake their own fundraising.

Expedition lead, Paul Tulloch said: "We are looking for young people who can demonstrate maturity, self-discipline and a passion for adventure, people and culture.

"You must also be able to commit to at least two hours per week to plan and prepare for the trip over a 13-month period. If this sounds like you, we would love to meet you."

The deadline for applications is Monday April 6, 2015 and application forms can be downloaded at http://www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/yps.