Young gear up for Humber challenge to test night skills

As well as embarking on a 12.5-mile walk, the aged from 13 to 17 will take part in six activities designed to test their mental and physical abilities in the hours of darkness.

After learning basic map reading and navigation skills, the six teams will be accompanied by a volunteer to help them should they get into difficulties. These will be drawn from support organisations, including the Tribune Trust, Humberside Police, Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the Environment Agency, and Humberside and Lincolnshire Orienteering Club.

The aim is to encourage teamwork, boost confidence and give the teenagers a greater appreciation of the countryside.

A Humberside Police spokesman said: “Over recent years fewer children and young people from urban areas have experienced the skills real adventure can bring them.

“The natural world has become alien to many young people for a variety of reasons. Humber Night Challenge aims to improve that and at the same time build confidence and self-esteem in young people while affording them the potential to identify positive lifestyle choices.”

The director of the Tribune Trust, Geoff Ogden, added: “We are delighted with the response from teams to take part in the event this year. This is more than previous years and confirms the enthusiasm of young people now that it has become an established adventure challenge.”

The challenge originated as the “Nite Pilot” project in the 1980s and was relaunched by the trust in 2007. This year’s challenge will take place on March 12 and will start at Brantingham Park in Elloughton.

The head of the Humberside Police Community Safety Unit, Supt Samantha Manning, said: “This is a great opportunity for young people to task themselves with a demanding venture and learn new skills.

“The members of staff involved with the safe running of the event are working on a voluntary basis which highlights the level of commitment from the staff to invest time and effort in young people.”