AN OUTDOOR activity centre which has been offering courses in the Yorkshire Dales since 1976 has once again run a bursary scheme for groups that would otherwise not be able to afford the experience.

Low Mill Outdoor Centre, in Askrigg, has a long established reputation for its quality, but in recent years has seen a steady decline in the attendance of youth groups and those with additional needs coming to the centre.

The centre established this was due to a lack of funding available in those sectors, so a Low Mill bursary project was set up and has been receiving generous donations.

Terry Hailwood, head of Low Mill Centre, said: "We have been able to use these bursary donations to support certain individuals in school groups, who would otherwise not be able to afford to join their class mates in a trip to Low Mill, to help make memories that will last them a life time.

"Importantly we were also able to fund two youth groups for a completely free weekend each."

He added: "One of this year’s bursary award weekend went to a Colburn youth project which gives young people in the town a more positive provision and supports some young people who are vulnerable and disadvantaged.

"Many of the young people who attend the club will not regularly have the opportunity get out of Colburn due to transport and money issues, and have not accessed outdoor activities before. The weekend was a huge confidence boost for the group, they bonded and worked really well as a team."

The centre was also able to offer a bursary award weekend to Cancer Care North Lancashire and South Cumbria.

Feedback from the group said: “I just wanted to say thank you for the generosity you gave us in providing our stay at Low Mill. We so enjoyed our time there. It was an opportunity that the young people would not have otherwise experienced had it not been for your kind offer."

Mr Hailwood added: "This shows that Low Mill is proudly keeping to its aim; “dedicated to the development of young people through outdoor adventure by providing real adventure in the real outdoors.”

The invaluable experiences would not have been possible without support by donations to the Low Mill bursary fund by Harewood Estate, The Leaver Family Charitable Trust, The Sterry Family Foundation, The Seedling Foundation and The P & FW Family Charitable Trust.

Visit www.lowmill.com.