Young people in Bradford have been invited to test themselves against a series of tough challenges this summer by the Outward Bound charity.

Scampering up soapy slopes for the It's a Knockout Challenge, bivouacking for the night and abseiling down Ilkley's famous Cow and Calf rocks are some of the tasks.

The charity, supported by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Allan Hillary's charity appeal, has joined forces with Bradford Council's youth service and recreation departments.

The challenges and activities are designed to bring teenagers and young people from different backgrounds and areas of Bradford together and to give them self-confidence that comes from achievement.

Mike Burtoft, education worker for Bradford Youth Service, who is also chairman of Bradford Outward Bound Association, said: "It is about using the outdoors to being people together."

The walking group leaders, known as Wiggles, took part in the Lord Mayor's sponsored walk across Morecambe Bay on Sunday which will have raised about £6,000.

Lister Park will be converted into a competitive "It's a Knockout" scene on Friday, August 1, with teams jostling for position in a number of daft events.

From August 4 until August 8, about 50 young people aged 11 to 25 will have a taste of living rough in the camp at Bradley Woods, Brighouse. Challenges include orienteering, creating their own bivouac, archery and survival techniques.

Throughout August, two Outward Bound instructors will be coming to the city, taking groups for water activities in Doe Park and climbing on the Cow and Calf on Ilkley Moor.

Towards the end of August, groups of young people will help to renovate the mountain hut at the Eskdale Outward Bound Centre in Cumbria.

Bradford's school-leavers will be prepared for the big wide world throughout the summer on the "U project", competing for places on a four-day residential course in the Dales.

Finally, 12 teams from Bradford district will take part in the Champions Chall-enge in the Lake District in October, tackling a tough programme of exercises.

To support the Lord Mayor's Appeal, ring (01274) 754965.

The Nell Bank Centre in Ben Rhydding, which the appeal is also supporting, is holding a fun activity day for families on Saturday, August 2. Ring (01943) 602032.