THERE was a slight air of madness in the air at Malvern Youth Centre as young musicians indulged in a little sponsored delirium to raise funds for an Italian trip.

The Albert Road North centre is sending 20 young people and staff to Concordia, Italy, on the return leg of an exchange which saw 20 Italians visit Malvern in March.

A rock gig and various individual fundraising efforts took place last Saturday (April 26). Among the sights to behold were Charlie Davies dressed as Mother Goose and youth worker Dena Falk, who undertook a 24-hour sponsored silence.

Two young male members of the centre had their legs waxed in the name of fundraising, while others dyed their hair blue. A day walking backwards was the challenge for another member and yet more youngsters went on a sponsored fast.

The forthcoming trip will see several Malvern bands playing gigs in front of Italian audiences. Most of those going are musicians or helpers, aged 14 to 18. Fundraisers needed to collect a total about £750 to cover the costs of the trip. The final amount raised was due to be counted at a meeting last night (Thursday).

Leah White, 17, from Malvern Link, said the fundraising day had gone really well.

"It was a bit mad, everyone was really hyperactive," she said, adding that she was looking forward to the Italy trip on Thursday, May 15.

"It should be really fun."