YOUNGSTERS from isolated rural villages will gather at Hamsterley Forest next month for an action-packed adventure weekend.

About 30 youngsters from across the county will enjoy a range of activities to improve their physical and mental health and develop their team building skills.

The event has been organised by the Task (Tremendous Active Social Kommittee) Group and had been supported by education in the community mid-Durham projects team.

It follows the success of two similar weekends excursions for youngsters, who do not have easy access to sport and fitness facilities. Last year it was organised by the Task Group. Its chairman Hayley Sheppard said: "Many of the youngsters come from isolated villages, single parent families or from difficult financial backgrounds.

"So the weekend is an ideal opportunity to relieve some of their boredom and get them interacting with each other in a positive and exciting way."

A £200 donation from Prince Bishops Shopping Centre, in Durham, will be used to buy food for the trip.

Richard Toynbee, centre manager, said: "I am delighted we have been able to help such a worthy cause.

"The Task Group's idea is positive, beneficial and of real value to the local community in particular youngsters living in and around Durham."

The group also plans to take a further 20 youngsters way to the forest later on in June if they can raise additional cash to fund transport and accommodation.