YOUNGSTERS are preparing to push the boat out for a two-day journey that will see them navigating three rivers, two weirs and a loch.

Girls from Queen Mary's School, near Thirsk, are planning to canoe along the River Swale from Topcliffe, and along the rivers Ure and Ouse to York.

The 20 girls are aged nine, ten and 11, and while the school has run numerous expeditions for its older pupils, this will be a first for the younger age-group.

Teacher Peter Bailey commented of the youngsters: "They have been training hard after school and their skill levels have increased greatly.

"It is noticeable how their confidence has grown and how a sense of achievement adds to their personal development."

He added: "The girls are really looking forward to the trip and apart from increasing their canoeing knowledge and skills, it will be a unique way of seeing different elements of the river environment, developing team-working skills - as the canoes are for two or three people - and not least, enjoying the experience."

The school has also involved parents, who will provide back-up support en route, particularly assisting with the overnight camping arrangements.

The expedition leaves school on Friday and should arrive in York on Sunday evening.