LOCAL SCHEME OFFERS UP TO 75% OFF OUTDOORS ACTIVITY COURSES

New courses and dates released

New dates have been announced by an innovative new scheme focusing on helping people gain outdoor activity qualifications on Exmoor.

Active Exmoor’s ‘OPTIC’ scheme started last summer and has already proven very popular, enticing people to take up a new sport in a structured manor.

If you’re a beginner, improving your personal skills or working toward becoming a coach, the OPTIC scheme is designed to help.

In October and November courses are available in mountain biking, power boating, sailing and windsurfing. Anyone can book a place on an OPTIC course but if you are aged from 16-22 and live on or near to Exmoor, OPTIC is generously paying up to 75% of the course fees for you!

Mike Bishop the project manager said, We want to increase the local skills levels on Exmoor by helping more people access these courses. I know at least one outdoor centre on Exmoor looking to employ a mountain bike instructor for the 07 season so these courses could lead to real job opportunities.

He continued: ” We are able to offer these courses at drastically cut prices thanks to a grant we secured from the Exmoor National Park Authority's Sustainable Development Fund provided by DEFRA. We’ve already had a busy summer with 26 people taking OPTIC courses. We hope to see all these new places filled ASAP!

All courses are held on Exmoor National Park and are run by local businesses. To see what’s on offer visit www.activeexmoor.com/optic.asp or contact Mike Bishop on 0845 324 4528.