AN outdoor survival group has been on its first road trip after being given a minibus.

The Pilgrim Club, which meets at The Resthouse, in Hackworth Park, Shildon received the bus from local firm, DA Taxis.

On Friday, they returned from their first trip in the bus, which was used as support for a four-day coast-to-coast ride.

Club secretary John Cutting said: "It was brilliant. With us having our own minibus now we were able to organise the trip totally independently within the Pilgrim Club.

"We were away for three nights camping and did two half days of cycling and two full days of cycling.

"The lads on the trip have been on six expeditions and are always looking for bigger and better things, but it was the girls who really impressed me.

"It was their first long trip away, 174 miles from Ravenglass to Tynemouth, and they really dug in and did really well.

"We are totally self-funded so as well as a trip out to christen our new bus, it was an opportunity to raise some sponsorship money for equipment and our Duke of Edinburgh scheme at the club."

The club is looking for sponsors to help with the running of the bus.

For more information on sponsorship or about the Pilgrim Club in general telephone Mr Cutting on 07722-957304.