A SCHOOL near Settle plans to "open up the outdoors" to people of all ages.

Giggleswick School says members of the public will be able to enjoy courses and events throughout the year, alongside the school's extensive programme for its pupils in sports such as climbing, fell running, mountaineering, kayaking, caving and mountain biking.

Instructor training and qualifications will also be on offer, said Giggleswick's head of outdoor pursuits Chris Wright.

Courses will include National Governing Body Leadership Awards such as Hill and Moorland Leader, scheduled for October 26 to 28. Giggleswick expects this to be popular with Scout leaders or teaching working on the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme.

Chris said he intends to put Giggleswick firmly on the map for outdoor interest events. It is already the venue for the English Schools Fell Running Championships and hosts a popular Kendal Winter League fell race.

The school will host a cyclocross race in December, with the Yorkshire Cyclocross Association, and on April 13 and 14, 2019 a specialist UK ultra running festival will take place at the school.

A keen ultra runner himself, Chris recently completed the gruelling Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc which saw him run a high-altitude 171km circuit of Europe's highest mountain, starting and finishing in Chamonix.

The ex-Para has 30 years' experience leading personal and youth expeditions, both in the UK and overseas. He has led for British Exploring and is a qualified Winter Mountain Leader and Rock Climbing Instructor, as well as a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.

To find out more, call 01729-893000 or email cdpwright@giggleswick.org.uk