Daniel McCurdy beat off fierce competition from all over Northern Ireland to be one of five sixth formers from Ballycastle High School to be awarded Spirit of Enniskillen bursaries to travel abroad in July.

Daniel, who also received £50 from the Ballycastle School, was asked to raise £300 towards the cost of the ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ trip.

Speaking to the Times, Daniel explained: “I wasn’t sure what I could do to raise the remaining money. However after much thought I decided to do a charity 10-mile walk along the beach in Portrush.

“My family joined me on the walk including my grandparents, my aunt and my mum. And thanks to family, friends and the local community I have raised £375 so far and more money is still coming in.”

The Spirit of Enniskillen scheme was established after the Remembrance Day bomb to promote understanding and harmony among the young people of Northern Ireland and each year sixth formers of the highest quality are chosen to visit countries which have experienced conflict.

Daniel added: “Through the Spirit of Enniskillen we will travel in groups of 10 and while abroad we will engage in a wide range of activities designed to increase our understanding of how to work in co-operation with others.

“I’m going to the Governor’s Institute in Vermont from June 30 to July 15 - and I can’t wait. It’s going to be a life-changing experience and something I am very honoured to be doing. On returning to Northern Ireland, I aim to use my fantastic experiences to make a positive contribution to society.

“I would just like to thank friends, family and the local community who have helped me raise the money for the trip. I would also like to thank my school for their continued support. Five of us from Ballycastle High were successful which is the highest number from any school and an obvious reflection on the schools achievement.”

The other four students from Ballycastle High School lucky enough to have secured a place are: Jamie Lee Faulkner (going to Sweden), Alison Wilson (Cyprus), Carla Glass (State of Maine USA) and Philip Scott (Canada).