A GROUP of “inspirational” young men from the 1st Kidderminster Boys’ Brigade are facing their biggest challenge yet as they prepare to walk 94 miles in under a week.

David Clarke, Neil Russell and Rhys Kay, all 15 and Tim Mills, 17, will be joined by five members of the 1st Lye Boys’ Brigade on a trek along the West Highland Way from Milngavie, just outside Glasgow, to Fort William in July.

Money raised through donations will be used to provide equipment for the expedition and any remaining cash will be donated to Acorns Children’s Hospice, which is the brigade’s national charity.

Completion of the walk will bring the teenagers closer to achieving the prestigious Queen’s Badge, which is the highest award available and takes three years to complete.

Lye captain and former Kidderminster member, Jonathan Salter, who has been with the Boys’ Brigade for more than 30 years, explained that obtaining the badge took dedication and commitment and only a handful of members were ever successful.

He said: “The boys have been working their way up to this point by doing various activities, including work within the community such as helping out in hospitals and charity shops.”

He added: “These young men are inspirational and we are all extremely proud of them.”

On Saturday, March 14, the group will walk just under 10 miles from Kidderminster to Lye in preparation.

That will be followed by a coffee morning from 10am at The United Church, Lye, where people can go along to donate and show their support.

Kidderminster lieutenant, Graham Knight, said: “During the expedition we will be walking about 20 miles a day so we have been helping the boys to prepare with several shorter walks.”

He added: “We will be camping at various sites and the lads will be carrying their own equipment, so preparation is key.”

As part of the experience, the boys will be planning everything for the expedition, including travel arrangements, route planning and safety.

Kidderminster lieutenant, Tom Russell, who has served with the Boys’ Brigade on and off since 1967, said: “As teenagers often receive a bad press we believe it is important to recognise and support the dedication of these young men.”

Anyone wanting to make a donation should contact Jonathan Salter on 01562 863659.