A NEW survival academy – inspired by British TV adventurer Bear Grylls – will be piloted at the Viney Hill Christian Adventure Centre (VHCAC) this half-term.

Centre manager, Jon Holden and Ian Healey took some time out last week to assist Bear Grylls as he was filming a cave system based in North Yorkshire for a forthcoming TV production.

Jon said: "I was approached by a production company as they have heard about caving antics up and down the country, luckily the date for filming fell within a time when I am usually up in Yorkshire doing some personal caving trips. Bear is also a committed Christian. The cave visited was Upper Long Churn Cave, and one that I know really well.

"Bear has not been to the centre but we have been chosen to pilot the Bear Grylls Young Survivors' Academy during the first part of October half-term. Bear will not be attending this event but the course is being run by myself and one of his instructors, Tim Treloar. The course is already fully subscribed but we are looking to put another one on early next year at the centre.

"We are also offering half-term activities for children at the centre which will include bushcraft, climbing etc, as well as the whole variety of other activities we offer."

Further details and how to book can be found at http://www.vineyhilladventure.org">www.vineyhilladventure.org