Swaledale Outdoor Club has had to suspend its activities after insurers refused to renew its public liability cover.

Club organisers took the decision after brokers informed them its Royal and Sun Alliance policy, which expired on Wednesday of last week, would not be renewed.

Chairman Alison Brooks and other officials are trying to obtain cover but have so far been unsuccessful.

John Deighton, club president, said hire of the club's equipment also had to be suspended.

"The problem seems to be because of a new assessment of risk, which categorises risks on a scale of one to seven," he said.

"Some of our activities take us beyond seven so no common or garden insurance company will provide us with cover."

The club, which marks its 40th anniversary this year, is affiliated to the British Canoe Union, British Mountaineering Council, North Eastern Ski Association, Council of Northern Caving Clubs and the Ramblers' Association.

Mr Deighton said advice was being sought from these organisations.

Events at the club house in Richmond, including a folk evening tomorrow, lectures, social events and meetings, are unaffected.

The Swaledale Road Runners may also continue to use the club house as a base.

A spokeswoman for the Association of British Insurers said: "Nationally, the insurance rates for public liability are rising and one of the reasons may be an increasing compensation culture."

Much of the increase in litigation regarding outdoor activities could be traced back to the Lyme Bay canoeing tragedy in 1993 when four teenagers died.