HEREFORDSHIRE teenagers are urged to sign-up for an exciting programme of activities over the summer holiday.

They can enjoy some challenging outdoor fun thanks to Herefordshire Council which is now taking bookings for canoeing, kayaking and mountain biking courses for 13 to 19 year olds.

Councillor Jenny Hyde, cabinet member for children and young people, said: "The council's outdoor education team do a lot of work with youth groups over the summer, providing sessions in canoeing, kayaking, raft building, archery, mountain biking and team building.

"Many young people don't have access to youth groups so we've put on some public courses which are open to anyone aged 13-19. These courses usually fill up very quickly, so I'd urge anyone interested to book their place quickly."

The following courses are available: At Bodenham Lakes there will be a four-day sailing course taking place every other week. Participants will be trained in rigging the boat, navigating in different wind conditions and handling capsizes and those who do well could be awarded a nationally recognised Royal Yachting Association qualification. There are six places available on each course costing £10 a day.

Half day kayaking training sessions will be available at the Canoe Centre, Castle Green, Hereford, on Mondays and Tuesdays throughout the holidays. Twelve people can be taken on each session which costs £5 per session.

There will also be advanced kayak training available on Fridays which will finish with a canoe trip down the River Wye from Bridge Solas to Hereford. Cost is £5 a session.

Two more mountain biking days have been arranged for the August 15 and 29 in the Forest of Dean. There are eight places available a day with a cost of £10 a day plus bike hire.

Bookings can be made on 01432 260212.