SCHOOLS Minister Jacqui Smith announced yesterday that about 14,000 teenagers will benefit from outdoor activities this summer.

The activities, part of a £10m pilot, are designed to bridge the gap between secondary school and adult life, and open up options for further or higher education and training.

The pilot will run through 47 schemes throughout England, including Tyne and Wear, County Durham and North Yorkshire.

Each programme will offer a range of outdoor adventure activities, from sailing or rock climbing to taking part in expeditions.

Other activities could include opportunities for environmental conservation work, local community projects and sport and drama