CUMBRIA'S High Sheriff Martyn Hart and his wife, Tess Hart MBE, spent a fact-finding morning at the YMCA Lakeside centre on the shores of Windermere.

The centre has been changing and enhancing the lives of young people, especially the most disadvantaged, for more than 50 years.

Up to one million have had the opportunity to visit the centre since it first opened its doors in the 1950s. It offers 50 land and water based activities ranging from canoeing and sailing and rock climbing and abseiling.

They are all designed to challenge young people and help them to develop skills and character traits that will serve them through life. Every year more than 180 different schools and youth groups use the centre bringing with them more than 7,000 children and young people.

"In my role as High Sheriff I am actively involved in initiatives designed to prevent crime especially involving young people," said Mr Hart. "I was particularly interested in the excellent work that Lakeside does with young people who are vulnerable and potentially at risk of getting involved in crime."