A SCHOOL open day will attempt to paint a brighter picture of outdoor education, blighted by recent tragedies which have raised questions about the safety of children.

Lancashire Outdoor Education, part of the County Council, believes outdoor activities have an important role to play and is staging the open days to emphasise the high quality of care and the benefits for staff and children.

The first day will be held at Gillibrands Primary School, Chorley, on Wednesday and others will follow at schools throughout the county.

Lancashire Outdoor Education has five centres including Hothersall Lodge, Longridge, and Whitehough, Burnley. Each centre specialises in different aspects of outdoor education including environmental studies, boating activities, abseiling, and mountain biking.