THREE building projects have begun that will open up a world of outdoor activities to thousands of children in North Yorkshire.

More than £800,000 is being spent on the projects to allow an extra 5,000 pupils, teachers, youth groups and others to benefit from outdoor education and recreation.

The Great Fryupdale Outdoor Adventure Centre, near Whitby, which closed two years ago, is being re-opened and modernised, and the new Bewerley Park Centre, in Pateley Bridge, is being completed.

A mobile climbing wall is also being constructed that will sit on the back of a large lorry and be taken round the county.

The projects are being jointly funded by a grant from the National Lottery New Opportunities Fund of £539,000 and a further £266,000 from the county council.

The projects are expected to be completed by January next year and are expected to be working at full capacity by 2008.

The Great Fryupdale centre is to be modernised with the creation of a mezzanine floor to form a classroom area. The new-look centre will accommodate 30 people with two dormitories and a staff area.

The 56-bed Bewerley Park project will be split into two phases. The first will join two dormitories with a modern shower, toilet and changing block.

Separate entrances to each of the four sections of the dormitories will also enable greater flexibility of use and privacy.

The second phase will develop the old toilet and shower block into six, two or four- bed units with en-suite facilities.

The mobile wall is the brainchild of the county council's head of outdoor education, Les Brettle.

It is designed to help youngsters solve problems, team build and assess risk - thereby boosting self-confidence and self-esteem.

Mr Brettle said: "These latest facilities will make a difference to many more young people.

"The wow factor of a high ropes course, climbing, sailing or just studying the geography, flora and fauna in a beautiful environment helps extend people's learning, acquire new skills and enrich their appreciation of themselves, others and the world around them."

"Recent research shows that these experiences have the power to improve pupils' academic performance and behaviour back in school."