Young people taking part in a DofE expedition in the Yorkshire Dales. Photo: Bob Smith/grough

Yorkshire Dales bosses are inviting leaders of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to a free training day.

Scout leaders responsible for the organisation’s Expedition Challenge Award are also welcome at the event in March.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority is running its first training day for these youth leaders to showcase the region as an ideal area to run expeditions.

The training, in Clapham, is open to anyone involved in running, supervising or assessing expeditions for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award or the Scouts’ Expedition Challenge Award.

Those attending will also be able to visit the nearby headquarters of the Cave Rescue Organisation, the volunteers responsible for fell and cave rescues in a large part of the national park.

Organisers said national park authority rangers, local farmers and representatives from the DofE Award and the Cave Rescue Organisation will give advice to leaders on how to support their groups in planning routes in the Dales; where to stay; what is special about the area; and how to stay safe and what to do if an accident does happen.

Catriona Kilner said: “DoE and Scouts leaders can find out everything they need to know at our showcase day to help them start planning their group’s expedition in the Yorkshire Dales.

“The Yorkshire Dales national park is a stunning place to run a Duke of Edinburgh’s expedition or a Scout Expedition Award. Over the years many thousands of young people have come to the Dales as part of their award.

“We would like to help expedition leaders get the most from their visit, as well as help minimise the impact of their event on the area.”

The free event will take place from 10.30am to 2.30pm on Saturday 2 March at Clapham Village Hall. A lunch will be provided.

To book a place or make an enquiry contact the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s learning and engagement officer Cat Kilner by email or by phoning 01756 751623.