Free places on world yacht race

The race will cover 35,000 miles before returning to Liverpool

People in Liverpool are being offered the chance to enter a competition to crew in a round-the-world yacht race.

The Clipper 07-08 race will leave the city's Albert Dock on 16 September for a 35,000 mile voyage across the oceans before returning the following summer.

The Liverpool Culture Company is throwing the competition open to anyone living within the city's boundary.

Applicants do not need previous sailing experience as training will be given. The places are worth up to £7,000 each.

This is the second time that Liverpool has offered free places on one of the seven legs of the route.

The successful applicants will sail on the 68-foot long (21m) Liverpool 08 Clipper boat.

This truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity... I'm delighted that Liverpool is once again able to offer people the chance to take part in such a fantastic adventure. Warren Bradley, Leader of Liverpool City Council

Warren Bradley, leader of Liverpool City Council, said: "This truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"Liverpool has been proud to host the Clipper race on two previous occasions, attracting thousands of spectators to our historic waterfront, so the city has a real connection with the event.

"Taking part in a yacht race represents an enormous physical and mental challenge, and I'm delighted that Liverpool is once again able to offer people the chance to take part in such a fantastic adventure."

Clipper is the world's longest sailing race - with each of the ten yachts taking place being led by a professional skipper but crewed by amateurs.

Applications are available from both Liverpool Culture Company's offices and its website. The deadline for the competition is 2 February.