AN ADVENTURE guidebook publisher celebrated its 50th birthday by helping raise thousands of pounds for a charity that helps people enjoy the outdoors.

Kendal-based Cicerone, which is renowned for its walking, cycling, hiking and trekking books, gave 50p from every guidebook sold to the Bendrigg Trust.

The residential outdoor centre at Old Hutton offers activities to people with disabilities and facing disadvantage, such as caving, climbing, and canoeing.

Earlier this year Cicerone gave £5,000 to the charity, and this week it gave another £5,000, which has been doubled by the Big Give Christmas Challenge, an online match-funding campaign which lasts for just seven days in December.

With help from Cicerone, the Bendrigg Trust beat its fundraising target of £12,000 in the first 24 hours of the Big Give Christmas Challenge - raising £17,618 to help socially and economically underprivileged people with disabilities to benefit from the Bendrigg experience.

“We have been completely overwhelmed by the support shown this week and we never dreamed we would reach our target within the first 24 hours," said senior fundraising officer Sarah Garman.

"Without this financial aid our participants would simply not be able to take part in these life-enhancing experiences. These funds will support around 900 people to participate in a weekend of inclusive adventure activities; gaining confidence, increasing self-esteem and reaching their full potential.

"For many of our visitors these experiences are a lifeline, not a luxury. We’re so grateful for Cicerone’s support this year which will help even more people to access the great outdoors."

The Bendrigg Trust was set up in 1978 and has since helped more than 79,000 disabled and disadvantaged people across the country. The charity's aim is to support and encourage people to reach their full potential, no matter what their abilities.

Everest mountaineer Sir Chris Bonington is one of its patrons, together with Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria Claire Hensman, Paralympic silver medal-winning cyclist Karen Darke, and mountaineer and quadruple amputee Jamie Andrew.

To find out more about the Bendrigg Trust, visit www.bendrigg.org.uk or call 01539-723766.