PUPILS from Banbury's Blessed George Napier School are getting ready for the 2007 Kielder Challenge - a unique outdoor adventure contest that sees youngsters with disabilities competing alongside able-bodied children.

Two BGN teams, each consisting of eight pupils, are preparing for the event by taking part in teambuilding games, before going on to a regional heat against four other local schools to bid for a place in the challenge finals.

The Kielder Challenge is in its 23rd year and is organised by the UK's leading outdoor access charity, the Fieldfare Trust, and supported by HSBC in the Community.

Andy Johnson, of Fieldfare Trust, said: "Last year more than 1,800 youngsters took part in the Kielder Challenge and this year were hoping to get more than 2,000 involved."

The challenge aims to develop teamwork and communication skills between teenagers in a countryside environment.

It is open to teams of 13- to 16-year-olds, and provides opportunities for youngsters to compete in problem solving and team building games.

Each team consists of eight young people - four with physical, learning, or sensory disabilities and four without disabilities.

Peter Bull, manager of HSBC in the Community, said: "The Kielder Challenge is a great opportunity for youngsters to integrate with other people with different abilities and disabilities. It is truly inspiring and humbling to see these children, many of whom have so many difficult problems, rise to the challenge and get so much out of their participation.

Regional heats will take place before the end of May and the 12 highest scoring teams will win a place in the final in Kielder Forest in September.