A SPORTS trust launched in East Lancashire by one of the area's leading companies will be rolled out nationwide next year.

Accrington-based Karrimor International, one of the world's leading manufacturers of outdoor clothing and equipment, has launched Karrimor Sports Trust to provide young people with the chance to take part in outdoor courses.

In its inaugural year, the Trust will enable 30 young people from East Lancashire to attend a three-day course in March at Plas y Brenin, the National Mountain Centre in North Wales.

The course will include activities such as climbing, trekking, canoeing and dry slope skiing. The Trust will offer places nationally from 2002.

Entry forms will be distributed to East Lancashire high schools, regional outdoor equipment shops and Karrimor's own factory shop, Accrington.

Applicants will have to complete a multiple choice questionnaire and return to Karrimor by the end of this month. Successful applicants will be notified by the end of February.

The scheme is aimed at encouraging interest in outdoor pursuits for people who have never experienced the great outdoors.

Managing director Bill Kelly said: "We devised the Trust to give something back to the East Lancashire community who 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."

Karrimor has a long association with Plas y Brenin. The centre has been used by the company to test and develop its clothing and equipment.

Picture: Two hopeful teenagers, with Iain Peter (left), chief executive for Plas y Brenin and Ian Harris (right) Karrimor sales director