DRIVERS of 4x4 vehicles are often accused by countryside lovers of churning up roads with their huge wheeled vehicles.

But one such driver disclaims this and in fact does exactly the opposite; he helps with conservation work to protect ancient country roads and "green lanes".

As part of the Ancient Road Conservation Volunteers, Mr Paul Sinkinson, aged 56, has recently helped North Yorkshire County Council save well over £100,000 by helping repair the road at Deadman's Hill, Scar House, near Pateley Bridge.

"For years, the Ramblers Association has accused 4x4 wheel drivers of ruining moorland. But this is not the case. Many North Yorkshire moors are deteriorating due to lack of maintenance and being churned up by agricultural vehicles and landowners.

"The association approached the council and asked if they would like some help and we have just completed this project with another in the pipeline."

A 4x4 lover for many years, Mr Sinkinson, is a volunteer in his spare time.

Not that he has much as he travels backwards and forwards from his home in Boroughbridge to New Zealand for weeks at a time.

For his "full time" interest, is organising 4x4 adventure trails, both in the UK (including France) and in New Zealand, and training less able-bodied people to drive their own vehicles.

He operates a company named Daletrax Limited with an associate company, headed by Mr Rob Dent, named Dalestrax which specialise in offering 4x4 off-road adventure on private sites by way of voucher schemes which can be purchased through many High Street outlets.

The adventures are available for both able-bodied and those with handicaps.

Mr Sinkinson and colleague Mr John Goss, who was paralysed as a result of a flying accident, also advise clients in specially adapted 4x4 vehicles with hand controls.

"I had known John for some years when he broke his back. Once I saw all the problems he had and all the anomalies that curtailed drivers in his situation, I opted to introduce training.

"Not every less able driver is content with being able to drive a specially-adapted Ford Fiesta. The larger 4x4s are also excellent for storing wheelchairs and other equipment needed by less abled bodied people."

Mr Sinkinson said that in the case of 4x4 automatic vehicles, with special hand controls drivers could be trained to use them to the full.

"I have trained John to drive his vehicle and now he trains people himself. There are many less abled bodied people who want to take up adventure sports.

"Being trained to drive their 4x4 gives them the chance to try off-road driving which is a great sport.

"Now that John can drive his own vehicle he can accompany his family on walks, which he used to love. He can now trail behind in his 4x4 and it has opened up great opportunities for him which we want to pass on to other people."

Mr Sinkinson set up the 4x4 company after selling Boroughbridge marina in 1998.

"I retired from commercial life and was looking for a hobby to fill my time. I have always worked in the leisure industry transporting boats with a 4x4 so I thought I would spend my time doing something I can enjoy, and help other people see a little bit of the world.

He said the company took off from the start and he had now teamed up with Mr Peter Ritchie, who runs one of New Zealand's leading off-road adventure and training companies. The business was increasing.

"Pete is New Zealand's answer to "Crocodile Dundee" and has many, many contacts," he added

Mr Sinkinson recently returned from New Zealand, where he spends between a month to six weeks, two or three times a year. He has been checking out cattle stations and accommodation for future trips.

"The basic idea behind the two companies is to offer people who are visiting New Zealand the chance to drive a hired 4x4 instead of hiring a car. We provide training and escort vehicles to take clients to off road routes through New Zealand's' natural woodland, bush and beaches."

As well as the more usual tourist sites, there are numerous cattle and sheep stations for clients to explore, 1000s of acres, some with miles and miles of private beaches as well as exciting bush land.

In association with another colleague based in France, Mr Sinkinson also offers a "Tag along" adventure experience for those with their own 4x4 vehicles to the French Auvergne region.

At certain times of the year clients can join him and drive one of the company vehicles if they don't have their own. "I didn't realise a hobby would turn out to be such an adventure," he added.

Readers interested in 4x4 adventure in the UK, France or New Zealand, Mr Sinkinson can be contacted on 01423 322011