A LEADING national outdoor activity company has chosen the Forest of Dean to launch a prestigious series of triathlons with a difference.

And it says it hopes the event could become an annual fixture of the region – bringing in much-needed tourist revenue in the wake of the foot and mouth crisis.

Fitness enthusiasts from across the country will descend on the Forest on Sunday, September 16 for a canoeing, mountain biking and running event which will be the launch of an Adventure race season.

The challenge is being organised by Quest, 'The Great Outdoors' Ltd, which has offices in Devon and Essex.

Bosses at the company say they picked the Forest of Dean because it provides the "perfect terrain."

Director Martyn Ward said: "This location is ideal. We searched the country for the best place possible and nowhere else came near. A particularly good feature is that the River Wye runs through the centre of the course.

"An added bonus is that the area is accessible and has good road links from the Midlands, South West and M4 corridor."

Mr Ward added: "There will be 60-100 competitors in the first event with up to 400 for future events. We hope to build on the success of the first triathlon to attract more and more competitors as more events take place."

The hunt is on for teams of two, three or four people to take part by completing a 10km canoe race, orienteer a 50km mountain bike course and navigate a 14km trail run.

Mr Ward added: "The distances involved may sound like a tough challenge, but the event can be made as easy or as hard as you like.

"Checkpoints will be located across the Forest and the aim is for competitors to plot a route and visit as many or as few as they can manage on both the cycling and running courses.

"The event is a perfect opportunity for team building or simply a bit of fun, and people of all ages and abilities are invited to take part."

•Entry forms and more information can be obtained online from http://www.questars.co.uk">www.questars.co.uk by email on: [email protected]">[email protected] or telephone 07071 224949.