TEAMS of youngsters with and without disabilities from across Worcestershire are set to take part in an outdoor adventure competition.

Teams of eight pupils from Evesham High School, Manor Park School, Rose Hill School, Bewdley High School and Lacon Childe School, Cleobury Mortimer, will take part in the 2007 Kielder Challenge.

In its 23rd year, the Kielder Challenge aims to develop teamwork and communication skills between teenagers in a rural environment. It is open to teams of 13 to 16-year-olds and provides opportunities for youngsters to compete in problem solving and team building games. Each team consists of eight youngsters - four with physical, learning and sensory disabilities, and four without disabilities.

For the first time, teams will take part in a Challenge Gateway stage where a team of volunteers will visit the schools and run a series of teambuilding games before being entered into a regional heat. The competition, organised by outdoor access charity Fieldfare Trust in conjunction with HSBC in the Community, will hold regional heats throughout April and May with the 12 highest scoring teams winning through the the final held in Kielder Forest in September.

Andy Johnson, of the Fieldfare Trust, said: "Last year we had more than 1,800 youngsters take part in the Kielder Challenge and this year we're hoping to get more than 2,000 involved. Entries have been coming in thick and fast although we still have a few places available so teams should get in touch soon."

Peter Bull, manager of HSBC in the Community, said: "The Kielder Challenge is a great opportunity for youngsters to integrate with other people with different abilities and disabilities. It is truly inspiring and humbling to see these children, many of whom have so many difficult problems, rise to the challenge and get so much out of their participation."

For more information log on to www.fieldfare.org.uk/kielder-challenge.htm or call 0115 948 6926.