AN incredible success story - that is how organisers are viewing the series of local family-friendly orienteering events which have been held in the Malvern area this autumn.

The Malvern Initiative was aimed at families who wanted more for their children than life as couch potatoes wrapped in cotton wool. Organisers Lester and Lynden Hartmann wanted to show there was a safe and healthy way to have adventures which would help children become self-confident and develop essential life skills, like risk assessment and damage limitation, while having fun and exercise.

Lynden said: "We knew what the sport had done for our family and we were sure others could benefit too - the response has exceeded our expectations - parents have come up to us at events and said 'this is just what we've been looking for'. It really has been very encouraging and great fun."

Orienteering is a cross-country sport which relies on the participants' navigation and decisio- making abilities just as much as their physical speed or strength as they find their way round a number of check points. Through a range of courses it can provide a challenge for all ages and abilities.

Since the first event at Eastnor in September, there have been more than 700 attendances by around 400 people in family groups and as individuals who have tried it out at various locations on the Malvern Hills. An army of blue tee-shirted helpers have been on hand to advise and help. Many of the newcomers have taken the sport a stage further by joining the local club Harlequins, which has piloted this scheme under the name of MADO, Malvern and District Orienteers.

The series received financial support from a number of sources including Malvern Hills District Council.

The last of the introductory events will be run from the West of England Quarry car park on the B4232 up over the Worcester Beacon tomorrow (Saturday). Anyone who has not yet had a go will be more than welcome, the cost is £1 per map.

There will also be an exciting night event on Castlemorton Common (off the Gullet road) on Saturday, December 3, starting at about 6pm, with an easy loop for beginners, but make sure you bring a good torch.

A whole series of monthly informal league events is scheduled for the Malvern area from January. These will be suitable for complete beginners, families and experienced orienteers.

Full details for all MADO events can be obtained from the website mado.org.uk or by ringing 01684 577062.