IT'S TIME to start thinking ahead if you want the chance to join an exciting expedition to Tibet.

Leading Edge Expeditions is offering a lucky few aged 15-20 the chance to spend a month exploring the mountainous region in 2008.

Selection weekends are set to take place this October and December for the trip in July/August next year.

But as the trip costs £2,050 - including flights, visas, insurance, ball tickets and even ponies - young people are being urged to think about saving up or starting fundraising now.

Budmouth teacher John Hegarty has led more than 50 expeditions including Bolivia, Canada and China. His previous ventures have won the Karrimor and Sir Vivian Fuchs awards. The trip to Tibet, entitled Moonlands 7, will involve rafting the headwaters of the Indus River, trekking across the Moonlands of the Tibetan Plateau mountain-biking several high-altitude routes to the Chinese border and crossing the Greater Himalaya.

To find out more about the trip you can go to www.leadingedge.org.uk and follow the link for Moonlands 2008, or call Mr Hegarty at school on 01305 783057.

Anyone aged between 15 and 25 can apply by sending an application form with eight passport-sized photos and a non-refundable £50 deposit.

Applicants must attend one of the selection courses to be considered.