DAVID Rowe, 39, an engineer from Great Lumley in Chester-le-Street, has been selected from hundreds of outdoor enthusiasts to join one of the country's most demanding mountaineering schemes.

From September 10-16, David, along with 11 other people from across the country, will attend the Gore-Tex Outdoor Leader Training Scheme, a recognised stage of the nationally accredited Mountain Leader Training Award held at Glenmore Lodge in Aviemore.

During the past eight years David has covered over 100 of the mountains of England, many with Wayout in Gateshead, a charity operating outdoor education courses.

David said: "I expect the course to be very demanding but hope that the skills I learn will enable me to lead more groups of people on various expeditions."

The scheme is sponsored by Gore, makers of the famous Gore-Tex fabric.