A Bermudian charity focused on supporting youth and education has announced the 2008 recipients of its fundraising golf classic.

Last year, the Ross "Blackie" Talbot Charity Classic celebrated its 15th anniversary by dedicating funds raised to organisations trying to educate the youth of Bermuda.

As part of this, Clement Talbot, the chairman of the tournament's organising committee and son of the late entertainer Ross (Blackie) Talbot, launched Education Awards for students who completed their first two years of college, but could not afford to finish.

This year the charity plans to continue the RBT Awards as well as giving donations to The Bermuda Zoological Society, The Adult Education School, YouthNet and the Ross (Blackie) Talbot Foundation.

Yesterday at the news conference, Mr. Talbot said he was happy to continue the RBT awards and was pleased with the continued focus on youth development, mentoring and the environment.

He said: "I have always said how it continues to amaze me how the Ross (Blackie) Talbot Charity Classic continues to grow year after year. It gives me great pleasure to announce the continuation of the RBT Education awards.

"The young Bermudians, who received funding last year will of course receive their second year's funding, but we are immensely proud to say that we will also provide funding to a new group of young Bermudians for 2008."

In 1993, Clement Talbot, the community and Government liaison manager at the Bank of Bermuda, founded the Ross (Blackie) Talbot Charity Classic to raise money for charities in honour of his father's birthday.

Since then the charity event has raised more than $2 million for 55 Bermudian charities and this year they hope to raise $300,000 for the four charities and the Ross (Blackie) Talbot Educational Awards (RBTEA).

Phillip Butterfield, CEO of Bank of Bermuda, which is the lead sponsor of the golf charity classic, said he was happy to see the charity supporting education in Bermuda.

He said: "I would like to say congratulations to the Ross (Blackie) Talbot team for the selection of awardees. The continued focus on education is terribly important to this country and the leadership you have shown in this regard is fantastic.

"As I say each year, the Bank of Bermuda is so very proud to sponsor the RBT Charity Classic and this year is no exception. We wish the RBT every success and look forward to returning here in May to hear the announcement of the funds raised to assist these worthwhile charities."

The classic tees off on March 31, 2008 at Riddell's Bay Golf and Country Club and lasts until April 2.