They need cash to go on an overseas expedition for the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

And in a bid to raise funds a special week-long "sponsored symbolic service'' project will be held from April 20.

It will involve working with patients at St. Brendan's Hospital, and helping the National Trust and Meals on Wheels programme.

The group will also help renovate the headquarters of the Bermuda Girl Guides, The Lady Asser Hut.

Local VIPs are expected to visit the project sites, and organisers are hopeful Prince Edward may attend as well.

The 27-year-old prince is a trustee of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award International Association, and is a gold award holder himself.

He is visiting Bermuda for the first time, April 21-23, as part of a tour of the Caribbean and Canada.

Mr. Alan Brown, from the award scheme in Bermuda, said yesterday: "Sponsorship is being sought to help participants with their fund-raising activities, individually or in school or youth groups.'' At the gold level, the overseas expedition involves a journey, usually on foot, of at least 50 miles over four days.

Mr. Brown said the country had to be unfamiliar -- thus ruling out Bermuda.

Many expeditions are arranged with the help of the Outward Bound organisation.

Other groups organise their own expeditions in Canada, America, or England.

As well as raising funds, the symbolic service project aims to highlight community efforts of more than 250 young adults in Bermuda involved in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme on a daily basis.