A TEENAGER, who once wandered the streets of the North East homeless, has set off on the adventure of a lifetime.

Seventeen-year-old Daniel Bell will join other young people from all over Britain for a ten-week stay in the jungles of Brunei, in South-East Asia.

During the Raleigh International exercise, Daniel, who lives in supported housing at Gateshead, will help to build an information centre and a 50-metre suspension bridge.

He will also have to demonstrate canoeing, abseiling and survival skills during a tough jungle trek.

To win a place on the exercise, Daniel had to raise £1,000 himself for spending money and equipment, with Raleigh International paying for his flight, food and accommodation.

But the rest of the total £5,000 cost was paid for by sponsors led by the Three Rivers Housing Association, which developed St Bede's House, Gateshead, to provide accommodation and support for teenagers in need.

"You've got nothing to lose and everything to gain by taking part in something like this," said Daniel. "I'm hoping to improve my leadership skills and personal confidence."

The project leader at St Bede's House, Chris Reed, said: "Daniel proves that young people are often easily labelled as worthless and layabouts. Through schemes like Raleigh International, more young people can have the opportunity to learn life skills."

On his return to Britain, Daniel is hoping to win a place with the Prince's Trust, which offers further opportunity for personal development.