YOUNGSTERS have been making waves during an epic challenge.

Nine members of Wales YFC have embarked on a sailing trip of a lifetime with Challenge Wales through the Wales YFC international programme.

The team, which was chosen during a selection day last year, have been sailing around the south west coast of the United Kingdom.

They left Gosport marina on Sunday, and sailed the channel throughout the week, before stopping off at Lundy Island, and finishing at Penarth marina in Cardiff on Friday.

This was the first group opportunity for members under the age of 18 on the Wales YFC international programme, which offers up to 10 different trips all around the world to Wales YFC members each year.

Challenge Wales, who organised the journey, is predominantly run by volunteers and provides life-changing experiences for those aged between 12 and 25 years, teaching them life skills.

The journey was a youth residential voyage on a tall ship, and the team were expected to run the boat themselves.

This was a great opportunity for youngsters to gain independence and controlled life learning.

Angharad Edwards, Wales YFC international chairman, said: "It’s great to see yet another trip... under the Wales YFC international programme.

"As a committee, we are proud to offer the first junior trip through the programme and we look forward to developing trips with junior members in years to come."