A LEADING clothing firm from East Lancashire has launched a sports trust aimed at encouraging youngsters to try outdoor pursuits.

The Karrimor Sports Trust, set up by Karrimor International Ltd, will give 30 young people from the area the chance to attend a three day outdoor course at a specially equipped centre in North Wales next year.

The course will include various outdoor activities such as climbing, trekking, canoeing and dry slope skiing.

Bill Kelly, managing director of Karrimor, based in Petre Road, Accrington, said: "We devised the trust to give something back to the East Lancashire community which have contributed massively to the success of our brand. We chose the trust as a vehicle which we hope will sow the seed of love of the outdoors for the participants."

The scheme is aimed at encouraging interest in outdoor pursuits for those whom have never experienced the outdoors and participants will be selected by a panel of experts.

Entry forms will be distributed through East Lancashire high schools, regional outdoor retailers and the Karrimor Factory Shop, in Accrington. Applicants will have to complete a multiple choice questionnaire and return it by the end of January 2001.