SCHOOL leavers across County Durham can take part in outdoor adventure and personal development activities for free this summer.

A successful bid to the Department for Education and Skills by Connexions County Durham, a pilot scheme aimed at helping young people in their personal and career development, means its Summer Activities Programme can go ahead.

The programme is aimed at helping youngsters who have completed compulsory education to move from school to adult life.

Planning groups are being held across the county during July to fill the 170 places on the programme.

Team manager Andy Pritchard said participants will get to go on a five-day residential experience which will involve activities such as canoeing, sailing and mountaineering.

Support from local group leaders, Connexions personal advisors and careers service staff will also be available to the youngsters to help them progress onto suitable careers.

Planning meetings will be held at Chester-le-Street youth centre on Monday, Consett YMCA on Tuesday, Crook Glenholme Youth Centre on Wednesday, Peterlee Youth in Action Centre, on Monday, July 9, and Durham Shakespeare Hall, on Thursday, July 12.