TWO North Yorkshire schools are at the centre of pioneering research into the merits of outdoor activities.

Video footage of pupils is currently being edited to be shown at the Times Educational Supplement Conference in Manchester, before going on general release to schools throughout the UK.

The county provided two of the seven sites used in the pilot project, which is assessing the benefits of extending the classroom outdoors.

The senior development officer with Learning Through Landscapes, Neil Jameson, who is on secondment to North Yorkshire County Council's education service, has been at the heart of the initiative.

Executive member for education Chris Metcalfe said: "We have recognised for some time the benefits of the great outdoors.

"It provides the perfect environment for many projects which can be bigger, messier and noisier than if you were inside.

"The children really benefit in terms of their education and behaviour and we are delighted that through the video we can share our experiences with the rest of the country.

"The aim is to demonstrate how to go about making the best of the outdoors."

Professional film company LBV was commissioned to film the children at Kirby Hill Primary School in Boroughbridge, and at the Acorn Montessori School in Selby.

The video will be released in May.

Published: 29/01/2005