AN all-terrain wheelchair will mean outdoor adventures for youngsters with mobility difficulties.

The chair is now available for use at Durham County Council's outdoor education centres in Teesdale, Weardale and Richmond, as well as on study visits to the coast or country parks.

The £2,000 piece of equipment was bought with a donation by Cummins Engines and money from the council's access fund.

David Etheridge, head of outdoor learning support at the council, said it was decided to buy the chair after a visit to the Earl's Orchard Centre in Richmond by a ten-year-old wheelchair user.

"A successful visit was made, but it was clear that her standard domestic wheelchair was no match for farm tracks, mud, steep slopes and poor weather," said Mr Etheridge, who searched the Internet for an alternative and discovered the all-terrain chair.

"The drawback, as always, was the cost.

"Anne Peary, housekeeper at Earl's Orchard, approached friends at Cummins Engines who are well known for supporting good causes through their community action committee and a substantial donation was gratefully accepted."

The easily dismantled US chair, which is built of high-quality marine-grade steel, comes with balloon tyres and a safety harness.