TEENAGERS have been scaling new heights, thanks to the backing of a council-funded initiative.

The 15 daring youngsters, from Kirklington, near Bedale, travelled to High Adventure, in Cowling, near Skipton, to try extreme sports.

The two-day extravaganza, which included high rope climbing, abseiling and raft building, was a residential weekend supported by a community Key Fund.

The fund, backed by North Yorkshire County Council's Youth Services, targets young people.

It gives them a chance to take part in planning and designing events in their community, helping them to reach their potential and build important skills.

Senior youth worker and RAF recruitment officer Steve Denton said: "We were asked to work with the young people of Kirklington because it's a small rural village where there is little for them to do.

"This project has not only helped build their self-confidence, but has also enhanced their communication skills, co-ordination, trust and team working."

The group members, who call themselves the Krazy Kirklingtons, were responsible for the organisation, costings, buying and booking of each event. They were then asked to present their ideas to a panel - which can approve the event and provide funding or ask for more information.

"After two successful presentations, the panel said the next event the group organised needed to be a team-building event, so they chose a two-day residential of extreme sports," said Mr Denton.

"It has been a great experience for them and they've got so much out of it, really relying on each other and working together as a team."

For their last event, the group has chosen to arrange a summer party for everyone on the village green.

A marquee, bucking bronco, barbecue, sumo wrestling and gladiator jousting are planned by the team.