FEARS of courtroom battles are not deterring Worcester schools offering risky pursuits like canoeing and rock climbing to their pupils.

A recent Ofsted report said such activities were important to the healthy development of youngsters.

But local education authorities increasingly fear they could end up in the dock if an accident happened to a pupil, said the report.

"The benefits of outdoor education are far too important to forfeit, and far outweigh the risks of an accident occurring. If teachers follow recognised safety procedures and guidance they have nothing to fear from the law, " said Ofsted chief inspector of schools David Bell.

Worcestershire County Council has outdoor centres for its schools in Malvern, Upton Warren and Llanrug in Snowdonia, Wales.

"It's high time the tide turned and people accepted that risk is part of everyday life, and as such, it is an important area that requires parental and professional teaching to help young people manage it accordingly," said Jon Elliott, who runs the Llanrug centre.

Cabinet member for education June Longmuir said Worcestershire County Council had always promoted outdoor activities.

"Rather than lessen the time available, we have increased and encouraged it in all directions, including developing environmental understanding in forest schools as well as more adventurous activities," she said.

Bill Taylor, advisor for educational visits and outdoor erducation, said the council provided qualifications to teachers so they could instruct outdoor pursuits.

"We regularly provide nationally recognised training and support, doing all we can to ensure educational visits are safe and meet Department for Education and Skills expectations of good practice," he said.