YOUNGSTERS will begin a week-long celebration of youth volunteering when they take part in a seafaring adventure.

Twelve young people, who are all Millennium Volunteers will today board the ocean youth yacht, The James Cook, from its starting point near Newcastle's Millennium Bridge.

The Lord Mayor of Newcastle and the Mayor of Gateshead will form part of the reception committee overseeing the balloon release as the party gets under way.

Tomorrow, the yacht will dock at Hartlepool Marina and the volunteers will take part in canoeing and kayaking.

Sunderland will be the final destination for the vessel, where activities will finish on Thursday with a lavish finale in The Throwing Stones Restaurant, at the National Glass Centre.