A NATIONAL orienteering organisation with North-East roots celebrates its 50th anniversary tomorrow (Saturday).

On June 17, 1967, the inaugural meeting of the British Orienteering Federation was held in Barnard Castle.

This was followed by the first British Orienteering Championships in Hamsterley Forest, County Durham, the next day.

Fast forward half a century and there are more than 10,000 British Orienteering members and 200 affiliated clubs across the UK, along with an action packed programme of courses in rural and urban locations.

There have already been a host of celebratory activities this year and tomorrow a special film will be launched on the organisation’s website focusing on the past, present and future of the sport.

Mike Hamilton, chief executive of British Orienteering, said: “This year, is the 50th Anniversary of the creation of British Orienteering and whilst we have few resources to splash out’ on the celebrations we hope that all involved in orienteering in whatever capacity will be able to celebrate this achievement in some small ways .”

Orienteering is all about navigating the fastest way around a set course, which often involves running straight through the trees, climbing hills and crossing ditches.

To find out more about orienteering courses, visit britishorienteering.org.uk and click on ‘Go Orienteering’.