FAMILIES are invited to take part in a countryside walk with a difference.

Children will be challenged to lead the way, working out the route of the seven-mile ramble by solving a series of clues, while the destination is kept under wraps.

The walk will take place around Hartlepool, on Friday, from 11am to 4pm.

Robert Smith, one of Hartlepool Borough Council's countryside wardens, said: "We don't want to give too much away, other than to say that when the destination is reached there will be something special taking place."

The ramble will be led by the Fen's Estate Beck Buddies, a group of young people that look after the Greatham Beck Local Nature Reserve.

Advance booking is essential as free transport will be provided to take walkers back to the start point at Newark Road on the Fens Estate in Hartlepool. To reserve places, call (01429) 853325.