civilianise the Outward Bound Programme.

With Police Commissioner Colin Coxall's intention to put more officers back on the beat, Mr. Coxall and Outward Bound instructors P.c. Mark Norman and P.c.

Steven Palmer gladly received a cheque for $10,000 from bank special events officer Elizabeth Ward.

P.c. Norman, who co-ordinates the programme, explained the funds will help Police to pay six energetic civilians who were willing to fill Police shoes.

The Outward Bound summer programme -- which ends today -- involves teaching youngsters between the ages of 12 and 15 to build character as well as muscles through climbing, abseiling, canoeing, hiking and sailing.

When Police began their search for civilians some 40 people expressed interest, P.c. Norman noted. But once informed about what the programme en tailed, the number quickly dwindled to nine.

"The hours are long -- 6.30 a.m. to 10.30 p.m., and not everyone can work with kids,'' he said.

But he quickly added that six people between the ages of 20 and 28 had come on board which allowed Mr. Coxall to put six more officers on the streets.

Both P.c. Norman and P.c. Palmer will remain with the programme which -- based on a similar programme in Wales -- began in Bermuda 25 years ago.

SMOOTH SAILING -- Bermuda's National Youth Sailing programme handed out trophies to its winners this week. Among them were (from left) A.J. Crane (optimist dinghies), Nicky Crane and Charlotte Watlington (Laser II) and Duncan Simons (Lasers). Full list of winners, see this page.