For the first time, a free Birthright programme in the Holy Land will be available to young professionals who took an Israel tour in their teens.

Previously, the 10-day tours were open only to those who had never been on an organised programme.

The Young UJIA tour is being organised by Frankie Stanton, who said the aim was to attract 21-to-26-year-olds who had become distanced from the community.

"We want to reconnect with those people who feel there's nothing there for them anymore," she explained. "For Young UJIA, the journey doesn't end at 16.

"It's important for us that young professionals realise UJIA is still there for them. Where better to start than by visiting Israel? And you can go for free."

Although selling the trip might prove difficult - "if I were to get the email and see 'Birthright', I'd automatically assume I was ineligible" - she was confident of filling the 40 places for the late July departure.

And if it proved successful, "we will definitely run it again. We'd love to expand it and take two coaches next year. We could have two dates in the summer, or maybe even a winter one if it works for people."