TWO Suffolk dockworkers have set sail on a voyage of understanding in a bid to promote tolerance among youngsters in an age of international terrorism.

TWO Suffolk dockworkers have set sail on a voyage of understanding in a bid to promote tolerance among youngsters in an age of international terrorism.

The voyage on the tall ship Prince William was launched from Orwell Quay in Ipswich with a 50-strong crew including Muslims and Hindus from Indonesia, a Jewish Israeli youth worker, and young Catholics from Northern Ireland.

On board were Port of Felixstowe workers Sam Cooper and Matt Parker.

Sam, 19, from Ipswich, said: "It will be a completely new experience for us. Meeting so many different people from different backgrounds is something I've never done before."

Matt, 19, who is also from Ipswich, said: "I've never really had the chance to do something like this. It's going to be a shock to the system as I enjoy my sleep and I don't think I'll be getting much on board!"

The aim of the ten-day voyage to the continent is to break down barriers and improve understanding between cultures one year after the Bali bombing, which left 202 people dead following a terrorist attack on a night club in Kuta.

Organisers the Tall Ships Youth Trust have worked with a charity which is helping the victims of the bombing to recruit crew members.

Tim Law, from the trust, said: "The whole voyage is about understanding. We hope that the youngsters make new friends and enjoy an experience that they can keep with them for the rest of their lives.

"We have 48 young people who will have to work as a team on this trip. We have people from Indonesia, as well as Hindus and Muslims from the UK."

The international contingent has been selected by Encompass – a charity set up by the family of 28-year-old British man Daniel Braden who died in the Bali bombing.

Daniel's father Alex Braden said: "We want to find a peaceful route to fighting terrorism and believe it starts by giving young people all around the world an opportunity to gain a worldly view and an understanding of different cultures, backgrounds and faiths.

"Friendships formed during the intense and challenging demands of sail training is the perfect way to bring diverse groups together."

The Prince William will sail to Bruges in Belgium before heading back to Hull in ten days time.